Canada’s hopes for a gold medal in men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed in the quarterfinals as they fell 82-73 to France. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, the Canadians struggled against the tenacious French defense.
Facing a stifling defense, Canada managed only 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the team had fallen behind 45-29, finding themselves in a hole they couldn't dig out of. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood out for Canada, leading the team with an impressive 27 points. However, his efforts weren't enough to overcome the deficit. Commenting 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."
France's dominance was multifaceted. Victor Wembanyama contributed seven points, while Rudy Gobert's presence, though limited to three minutes on the court, added to the defensive pressure. Guerschon Yabusele was instrumental for France, scoring 22 points, and Evan Fournier added depth off the bench with 15 points. France’s collective effort on both ends of the court sealed Canada’s fate.
Offensive Struggles
Canada’s offensive woes were evident throughout the game. Besides Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett, who added 16 points, the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm. Jamal Murray's performance in the tournament had been a matter of concern, with averages of 5.6 points and shooting just 33.9% from the field. Against France, Murray's difficulties continued as he scored seven points on 3 of 13 shooting. His 3-point shooting was particularly problematic, finishing the tournament with just 2 for 14.
Coach Jordi Fernandez lamented the team's offensive struggles, saying, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball." Canada’s inability to circulate the ball efficiently was reflected in their 14 assists against 14 turnovers, a stark contrast to France's 17 turnovers, which they managed to overcome.
Falling Short
The defeat marked the end of Canada’s first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games. The loss was a bitter pill for the team to swallow, particularly given their high expectations. Reflecting on the setback, Canadian forward Lu Dort expressed his disappointment, "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."
Looking ahead, Canada will need to regroup and reassess as they aim to build on their Olympic experience. The withdrawal of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who pulled out to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was a notable roster change heading into the tournament. His absence may have impacted the team's dynamics and depth.
A Learning Experience
Canada's journey to Paris 2024 was significant, marking their return to the global stage after a lengthy hiatus. The experience has undoubtedly been a learning curve for the team, offering crucial insights and areas for improvement. As they look to the future, the focus will be on fostering cohesion, enhancing their defensive strategies, and bolstering their bench strength to avoid such pitfalls in forthcoming tournaments.
In retrospect, while the loss to France in the quarterfinals was a major setback, the lessons learned and the experience gained in Paris could serve as a foundation for future success. The grit and determination shown by players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett demonstrate the potential within the squad, setting the stage for what could be a stronger and more resilient team in the next Olympic cycle.