France Upsets Canada in Men's Olympic Basketball Quarterfinal
Victor Wembanyama and France had an emphatic performance against Canada in the men's Olympic basketball quarterfinals, sending the Canadians home with a 82-73 loss. The victory sends France to the semifinals, where they will face Germany on Thursday.
France's Bold Lineup Changes and Gobert's Injury
Coach Vincent Collet made a bold move before the game, benching two of France's most experienced players, Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, in favor of a smaller, faster lineup.
The decision to bench Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was particularly surprising. While it was initially reported that Gobert had undergone surgery on his left ring finger after suffering an injury in practice, Coach Collet later clarified that Gobert had an exam of the finger that included an MRI. Despite still feeling some pain, Gobert was available to play but only saw limited minutes.
Collet's decision was motivated by Canada's small-ball lineup, which featured Dillon Brooks at the four spot. The coach wanted to start Wembanyama at the five and pair him with Guerschon Yabusele at the four, opting for a more agile and mobile starting five. The move proved to be a masterstroke.
Yabusele and Cordinier Lead France's Offensive Charge
Yabusele stepped up in a big way, leading France with 21 points and 5 rebounds, showcasing his ability to score both inside and out. Isaia Cordinier also had a strong game, scoring 20 points, including 4 three-pointers, and playing with energy and confidence.
Wembanyama, despite a relatively quiet scoring performance with 7 points, still had a significant impact on the game, grabbing 12 rebounds and making his presence felt defensively with 3 steals.
Canada's Struggles and Gilgeous-Alexander's Performance
Canada, a team with 10 NBA players and widely considered a gold-medal contender, struggled mightily against France. They shot just 37.9 percent from the field and had 14 turnovers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with 27 points, but he was well-contained by France's defense early on.
Canada's lack of urgency and attention to detail was evident from the start of the game. Jamal Murray, who struggled throughout the tournament to adjust to a sixth-man role, was 3-for-13 from the field, while RJ Barrett also had a quiet game. Gilgeous-Alexander pointed to the slow start as the primary reason for the loss.
France's Dominance and the Semifinal Matchup
France dominated from the opening tip, taking a 23-10 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. They were able to exploit Canada's struggles on offense and played with a high level of intensity and focus throughout the game. Their victory is a testament to their talent and resilience, and their ability to adapt their game plan and capitalize on their opponents' weaknesses.
France's semifinal matchup against Germany will be a tough one. Germany has been a formidable team throughout the tournament, displaying a well-rounded attack and defeating Greece in their quarterfinal matchup. The matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle with both teams seeking a spot in the gold medal game.
A Pivotal Moment for France
France's victory over Canada is a significant moment for the program. They are aiming to secure their fourth Olympic medal in men's basketball and their first since 2020. The team is clearly playing with confidence and a collective desire to make a statement on the world stage.
The young and talented French team, led by Victor Wembanyama, is proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their upset of Canada highlights their potential and their determination to achieve greatness. The upcoming semifinal matchup against Germany will be a true test of their mettle, and the world will be watching to see if they can continue their momentum and reach the Olympic finals.
