Canada's Olympic Hopes Dashed by France's Defensive Masterclass
Canada's much-anticipated return to the men’s basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in a disappointing fashion, as they will not contest for the gold medal after a quarterfinal loss to France. The team entered the game as eight-point favorites but were unable to surpass a determined French squad, falling 82-73.
From the outset, France's defense proved stifling, holding Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. This defensive prowess set the tone, and by halftime, the Canadians found themselves in a deep 45-29 hole.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada's standout performer, led the team with 27 points. Despite his efforts, the offensive support around him was lacking. RJ Barrett also contributed, scoring 16 points, but no other Canadian player reached double figures. The team's offensive struggles were mirrored in their passing, as Canada finished with an equal number of assists and turnovers, each at 14.
France capitalized on these deficiencies through a balanced offensive attack and resilient defense. Guerschon Yabusele was pivotal, netting 22 points. Evan Fournier came off the bench to score 15 points, adding depth to France's scoring options. Victor Wembanyama, expected to be a key player, contributed a modest seven points, while Rudy Gobert’s limited three minutes on the court were more due to strategic rotation.
Jamal Murray, who had underperformed throughout the tournament, continued to struggle. He managed just seven points against France, making only 3 of his 13 shots. His overall performance in the tournament has been underwhelming, with an average of 5.6 points and a 33.9% shooting rate. His efficiency on three-point attempts was particularly concerning, going 2 for 14 in the entirety of the competition.
Canada's bench failed to provide the necessary spark, contributing just 16 points. In contrast, France’s depth was evident, with key contributions across their lineup stepping up at crucial moments.
Post-game reflections from the Canadian camp underscored the disappointment of the defeat. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," said Gilgeous-Alexander, capturing the frustration felt across the team. Head coach Jordi Fernandez echoed these sentiments, critiquing his squad's approach: "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
This Olympic appearance marked Canada's first since the 2000 Sydney Games, a milestone underscoring the country’s growing investment in basketball development. However, despite high expectations fortified by NBA talents, the team's journey was cut short, leaving a sense of unfinished business.
France's defensive intensity was a hallmark of their strategy, as evidenced by their ability to force 17 Canadian turnovers. Yet, the Canadians also forced 17 turnovers from France, suggesting that it was missed opportunities and offensive miscues that played a more significant role in their downfall.
The absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew from the Olympic squad to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was another factor that may have affected the team's depth and performance.
As the dust settles on this Olympic campaign, the Canadian team is left to ponder what could have been. Reflecting on the defeat, forward Lu Dort encapsulated the poignant sentiments: "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."
For now, Canada exits Paris with lessons learned and a renewed focus on refining their play, hoping to return with a stronger and more cohesive unit in future international competitions.