Canada's Men's Basketball Team Falls to France in Quarterfinals
In a disappointing turn of events, Canada's men's basketball team will not compete for the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team was bested by France, 82-73, in the quarterfinals, dashing their dreams of Olympic glory.
Pre-tournament brackets had set the stage for potential excitement, with Canada and Team USA positioned on opposite ends, leading fans to hope for a North American showdown. Canada's quarterfinal matchup against France, however, proved to be their downfall. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, the Canadian squad struggled from the onset.
Canada's Offensive Struggles
France's defense was stifling from the very beginning, limiting Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. This defensive clampdown set the tone for the rest of the game, and by halftime, Canada found themselves trailing 45-29. Head coach Jordi Fernandez didn't mince words about his team's performance, saying, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a bright spot for Canada, leading the team with 27 points. However, he acknowledged the team's slow start. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us." Fellow Canadian RJ Barrett added 16 points, but beyond these contributions, Canada found little offensive support. No other player scored in double figures, highlighting the team's struggled shooting and lack of depth.
Canada's bench contributed a mere 16 points, while France's Evan Fournier scored 15 points off the bench alone. Notably, rising NBA star Jamal Murray, who had been averaging a subpar 5.6 points and shooting just 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament, managed only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France. His shooting woes were evident as he went 2 for 14 on three-point attempts during the tournament.
Key Performances for France
On the French side, Guerschon Yabusele led with 22 points, providing a consistent scoring threat throughout the game. Victor Wembanyama added seven points, while Rudy Gobert, limited to just three minutes on the court, offered a defensive presence that stymied the Canadian offense. France's overall performance, highlighted by their depth and defensive prowess, proved too much for Canada to overcome.
Despite turning the ball over 17 times, France maintained control of the game. Canada's balanced stats of 14 assists against 14 turnovers showcased their struggle in maintaining offensive fluidity. The Canadian team will have to ponder their missed opportunities and consider the words of Lu Dort, who expressed the collective disappointment, "It's really disappointing. We had goals to get all the way to the end. When it gets cut short, it's tough, and we have to live with it. We have to do whatever it takes to get back in four years."
A Long-Awaited Return
This Olympic appearance marked Canada's first since the 2000 Sydney Games, and there was palpable excitement around the team's potential. However, the withdrawal of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey to focus on his debut season with the Memphis Grizzlies left a notable void in the roster. With Edey sidelined, the team lacked an interior force which could have been a game-changer against opponents like France.
Looking Forward
While the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, it unmistakably sets the stage for growth and reevaluation. For a team that had high aspirations, the Paris Olympics not only served as a reality check but also a learning experience. Coach Fernandez and his squad will need to reflect on this performance, strategize new plays, and foster a sense of unity if they hope to improve in future international competitions.
Canada's journey through the 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered for its highs and lows. Fans and the players alike will now set their sights on what comes next, seeking redemption and aiming for a stronger performance in the years to come.