Canada's hopes for a gold medal in men's basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed following a tough quarterfinals loss to France. Entering the game as eight-point favorites, the Canadians struggled to find their footing, trailing significantly early on and ultimately falling 82-73.
Early Struggles and Defensive Challenges
From the outset, France's defense clamped down on Canada, allowing them just 10 points in a lopsided first quarter. By halftime, the score stood at 45-29 in France's favor. Despite a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 27 points, the Canadian team couldn't overcome the early deficit.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander lamented after the game.
In contrast, France's balanced attack and strong defensive showing set the tone. Rudy Gobert, although only on the court for three minutes, was part of an effective defensive unit that stifled Canada’s efforts. Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, while key performances from Guerschon Yabusele and Evan Fournier, who posted 22 and 15 points respectively, helped secure the victory.
Offensive Woes for Canada
Canada's offensive struggles were encapsulated by their performance in the first quarter and further hindered by their inability to share the ball effectively. The team finished with 14 assists against 14 turnovers, highlighting their disjointed play.
"We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," head coach Jordi Fernandez reflected candidly.
Jamal Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament, continued to struggle. He scored just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting against France, including 2-for-14 from beyond the arc during the tournament. RJ Barrett added 16 points, but no other Canadian player reached double figures in scoring.
A Bitter End to Olympic Journey
Canada's bench couldn't provide the necessary lift, contributing only 16 points compared to France's deeper roster. Evan Fournier's 15 points off the bench for France highlighted the disparity.
This match marked Canada's first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, making the early exit particularly disappointing for the team and fans alike. Despite forcing 17 turnovers from France, the Canadians couldn't capitalize enough to change the outcome.
Incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who opted out of the roster to focus on his upcoming season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was notably absent. His presence might have made a difference in the physical contest.
Looking Ahead to Future Competitions
"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," said Lu Dort, underscoring the team's resolve to regroup and aim for future success.
The defeat serves as a poignant reminder of the competition at the international level and the areas where Canada needs to improve. As they reflect on this Olympic experience, the Canadian team will undoubtedly be working towards addressing their weaknesses and making a stronger showing in the next tournament cycle.
While the loss is a significant setback, the talent on Canada’s roster and the lessons learned from Paris could set the stage for a brighter future in international play.