Canada's hopes of clashing with Team USA for the gold medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed following a surprising defeat to France. Despite entering the quarterfinals as eight-point favorites, Canada succumbed to an 82-73 loss.
Slow Start Stymies Canada
The game got off to a rough start for Canada, whose offense was stymied by France's staunch defense, limiting them to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadians found themselves in a deep 45-29 hole, a deficit that proved insurmountable.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was Canada's standout performer, contributing a game-high 27 points, yet even his efforts couldn't salvage the game. Reflecting on the defeat, Gilgeous-Alexander stated, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
French Resilience and Key Contributions
France's strategy was built around a balanced scoring approach and a robust defense. Guerschon Yabusele led the French attack with 22 points, while Evan Fournier provided a crucial spark off the bench, adding 15 points. Rising star Victor Wembanyama chipped in with seven points, and Rudy Gobert's brief, three-minute stint didn’t take away from the team’s overall defensive effort.
Canada, meanwhile, struggled to match France's intensity and ball movement. Head coach Jordi Fernandez pointed out the team’s offensive shortcomings, noting, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Disappointment and Reflective Thoughts
The loss marks Canada's first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, making the defeat all the more disappointing for a team with high aspirations. RJ Barrett scored 16 points, but no other Canadian player managed to reach double figures in scoring. Jamal Murray, who had been underperforming throughout the tournament, continued to struggle, scoring just seven points on a poor 3 of 13 shooting performance.
Murray's woes extended beyond the France game. Throughout the tournament, he averaged only 5.6 points per game while shooting a dismal 33.9% from the field, including a disappointing 2 for 14 from beyond the arc.
The Canadian squad's struggle to maintain possession further hindered their efforts. They recorded 14 assists against 14 turnovers, compared to France’s 17 turnovers, an indicator of the scrappy nature of the contest.
Future Implications and Rebuilding
As Canada regroups, the words of forward Lu Dort encapsulate the team's collective resolve: "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."
Compounding the team’s challenges was the absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who opted to withdraw from the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite these setbacks, Canada remains focused on building a stronger, more cohesive team for future international competitions.
Ultimately, Canada's journey in the Paris Olympics, although cut short, underscored both the potential and the significant gaps that need to be addressed. For now, reflection and preparation for the next opportunity remain at the forefront of their agenda.