The hopes of seeing Canada and Team USA go head-to-head in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been dashed. Both teams were placed on opposite ends of the brackets following the group stage, setting the stage for a potential showdown. However, Canada’s journey was abruptly halted in the quarterfinals by a stubborn French team.
Quarterfinal Showdown
Canada entered their quarterfinal matchup against France as eight-point favorites, buoyed by a roster that showed promise and determination. Yet, from the game's onset, it was clear that the path to victory wouldn’t be easy. France's defense clamped down early, limiting Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadians found themselves trailing 45-29.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tried to spearhead a Canadian comeback, leading all scorers with 27 points. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s efforts, the Canadian team struggled to find their rhythm. In a reflective moment after the game, Gilgeous-Alexander said, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
French Dominance
Victor Wembanyama, widely anticipated as a rising NBA star, contributed seven points to the French cause. Rudy Gobert, although playing only three minutes, fortified the defensive structure whenever he was on the court. France's offensive charge was led by Guerschon Yabusele, who scored 22 points, and Evan Fournier, who added 15 off the bench. Their combined efforts proved too much for the Canadian side.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Canada’s 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." His assessment was backed by statistics, as Canada finished with 14 assists but also committed 14 turnovers.
Struggles and Hopes
RJ Barrett managed to contribute 16 points, but he was the only other Canadian player to score in double figures. Jamal Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field during the tournament, continued his struggles, scoring just seven points on a disappointing 3 of 13 shooting. His shooting woes extended to three-point attempts, where he went 2 for 14 throughout the tournament.
Canada’s bench offered little respite, scoring only 16 points collectively. In contrast, France demonstrated a more balanced approach, with numerous players stepping up in key moments. The French team also overcame their own set of challenges, such as turning the ball over 17 times, but ultimately, their defensive execution and offensive contributions ensured their victory.
A Long-Awaited Return
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked Canada’s first appearance in men’s basketball since the 2000 Sydney Games. While the outcome was not as hoped, the journey itself represented significant progress for the Canadian program. The absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the limited impact of other pivotal players, left more to be desired.
Canadian forward Lu Dort encapsulated the disappointment of the team, stating, "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."
As the French team moves forward, Canada is left to reflect and regroup. The potential seen in players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett will be critical as Canada looks to build on the foundation laid in Paris and aim for a more successful run in future competitions. Their quarterfinal exit, though painful, is a reminder of the thin margins that separate triumph from heartbreak on the Olympic stage.