At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Canadian men's basketball team met an unexpected and bitter end in their quest for gold. They will not be facing Team USA in the gold medal game. Instead, a formidable French team halted their journey in the quarterfinals.
Early Deficit Proves Costly
Entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada struggled against a stalwart French defense, managing only 10 points in the opening quarter. By halftime, Canada found itself trailing 45-29, a deficit that proved insurmountable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite his standout performance with 27 points, could only look on as his team was outplayed from the onset.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander reflected.
French Dominance
France executed their game plan with precision, largely containing Canada’s offensive threats. Guerschon Yabusele led the way for France, scoring 22 points. The towering Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, while veteran guard Evan Fournier provided a spark off the bench with 15 points.
Canada’s effort was further hindered by Rudy Gobert’s brief but impactful three-minute stint, solidifying the French defense and adding pressure inside the paint. Canada’s bench offered 16 points but failed to match France's intensity and depth.
Struggles of Key Players
While RJ Barrett managed to put up 16 points, no other Canadian player reached double figures. Jamal Murray, who had been uneven throughout the tournament, continued to struggle. Averaging just 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field in the tournament, Murray’s woes were evident as he scored seven points on 3 of 13 shooting. Particularly troubling was his 2 for 14 performance on 3-point attempts throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on this, head coach Jordi Fernandez commented, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
In terms of ball movement and possession, Canada matched their 14 assists with an equal number of turnovers. Although France turned the ball over 17 times, the Canadian team could not capitalize on these opportunities. The combination of a slow start, inefficient offense, and missed opportunities ultimately led to their downfall.
A Long Wait Ends in Disappointment
This Olympic campaign marked Canada’s first appearance in men's basketball at the Games since Sydney in 2000. There was optimism and hope riding on this team, which boasted a mix of youth and experience. However, they could not deliver when it mattered most.
Adding to the team’s challenges was the absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew from the roster to focus on his upcoming season with the Memphis Grizzlies. This left the team’s forward line thinner than desired, despite the presence of players like Lu Dort, who shared the collective disappointment of the squad.
"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," Dort lamented.
The lessons from this defeat are clear for Canada. The gaps in their game exposed during the clash with France need addressing if they are to mount a serious challenge in future tournaments. For now, reflecting on what might have been will dominate the Canadian camp, as they prepare to wait another four years for another shot at Olympic glory.