In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Canada will not be facing Team USA in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition. Despite high hopes and a strong presence in the group stage, the Canadian team stumbled in the quarterfinals, succumbing to France in an 82-73 defeat.
Entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada's prospects seemed bright. However, France's staunch defense set the tone early, limiting Canada to a meager 10 points in the first quarter. By the halftime buzzer, Canada found themselves trailing 45-29, a deficit they could not overcome. Leading the pack for Canada was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 27 points, but even his impressive performance wasn't enough to turn the tide. "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander remarked post-game.
France's Commanding Performance
France showcased a well-rounded performance, with Guerschon Yabusele leading the scoring with 22 points. Evan Fournier added 15 points off the bench, providing crucial support. Notably, NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, while Rudy Gobert’s limited three-minute playtime demonstrated the depth and versatility of the French squad.
Canada's effort was hampered by a lack of scoring depth; RJ Barrett's 16 points were the only other double-figure contribution. Star player Jamal Murray's struggle throughout the tournament was evident as he managed just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting against France. Over the course of the tournament, Murray had averaged 5.6 points, shooting a dismal 33.9% from the field, and continued his 3-point shooting woes with a 2-for-14 record.
Coaching Reflections
Head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed his disappointment following the loss. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez said. His observations were reflected in Canada’s ball movement; they finished the game with 14 assists against 14 turnovers, a stat line that speaks to their struggles in cohesion and execution.
Future Implications
Canada's elimination marks their first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, ending what many hoped would be a historic deep run. The loss is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead as the team contemplates future tournaments and Olympic cycles. Lu Dort, reflecting on the heartache of the early exit, stated, "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."
The absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who opted out to focus on his forthcoming season with the Memphis Grizzlies, also left a void in the roster. Edey’s decision underscores the balancing act athletes must navigate between national representation and professional commitments.
Ultimately, Canada's journey in the Paris Olympics serves as a poignant chapter in their basketball history. While the loss to France stings, it provides valuable lessons and a foundation for future growth and development on the international stage. The resilience and dedication shown by the team, despite the final outcome, will undoubtedly fuel their drive to return stronger, aiming to make their mark in the global arena once again.