In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Canada fell short against France in the men's basketball quarterfinals, dashing hopes of a gold medal showdown with Team USA. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada encountered a ferocious French team determined to advance.
Defensive Struggles
The game started disastrously for Canada, as they were held to a mere 10 points in the first quarter due to France's stifling defense. By halftime, the Canadians found themselves in a steep hole, trailing 45-29. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shouldered the scoring load for Canada, dropping 27 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome France's balanced attack.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez was candid about the team's shortcomings, stating, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball." Canada finished the game with 14 assists and an equal number of turnovers, reflective of the disjointed offensive performance Fernandez described.
France's Balanced Attack
France's defense proved pivotal, and their offensive efforts were equally commendable. Guerschon Yabusele led the way with 22 points, while Evan Fournier came off the bench to add 15 crucial points. Rising star Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, showcasing his potential on the world stage.
Despite their 17 turnovers, the French executed their game plan effectively, consistently thwarting Canada’s attempts to claw back into contention. Rudy Gobert’s limited minutes did little to hinder France's defensive prowess, as they maintained their grip on the game.
Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on the loss, Gilgeous-Alexander admitted, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us." The disappointment was palpable across the Canadian squad, who were making their first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games.
Lu Dort, a forward for Canada, echoed the sentiment, saying, "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."
RJ Barrett was another bright spot for Canada, scoring 16 points, but the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm. No other Canadian player reached double figures, highlighting the offensive woes that plagued Canada throughout the game.
Murray's Struggles
Jamal Murray’s performance throughout the tournament had been underwhelming, and the game against France was no different. Averaging just 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field, Murray managed only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting in the quarterfinal. His three-point shot was particularly problematic, hitting only 2 of 14 attempts throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Canada's exit marked a sobering end to an otherwise promising Olympic return. As the team packs up and heads home, the focus will inevitably shift towards the future and making the necessary adjustments to come back stronger. The absence of Zach Edey, the incoming NBA rookie who pulled out from the Olympic roster to focus on his debut season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was also felt.
In conclusion, Canada's journey in Paris was a mixed bag of high expectations and unfulfilled potential. The early exit is a learning experience for the team, who now have their sights set on what lies ahead. The words of Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort encapsulate the resolve of a team eager to turn this setback into a stepping stone toward future success.