Gobert's Limited Minutes Spark Strategic Victory for France Over Canada
In a surprising twist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, France's Rudy Gobert played just three minutes in the highly anticipated quarterfinal game against Canada. Gobert, an NBA star known for his defensive prowess, cited a finger injury as the primary reason for his limited playing time. Despite his brief stint on the court, France emerged victorious, toppling the previously unbeaten Canadian team to advance to the semifinals.
Gobert sustained a finger injury during practice, which required surgery before the game. Addressing his situation, Gobert remarked, “I have confidence in my teammates, the coaches. The plan worked, given how we started the match. There were several reasons why I didn't play, between the matchups but also what can happen in training, with the injuries. It was a good decision in any case. I was on the operating table last night. To be able to play in an Olympic quarterfinal, it was incredible.”
French coach Vincent Collet made tactical adjustments that played a key role in France's win. Gobert's absence from the starting lineup allowed Collet to deploy a different strategy centered around Victor Wembanyama at center and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward. Collet also opted to start Isaia Cordinier in place of Evan Fournier to enhance the team's defensive capabilities. “They play small ball. I wanted Wemby to start at five, that's why I put Yabusele at four. The other change was Isaia Cordinier for Evan Fournier because I wanted a defensive starting five,” Collet explained.
These strategic changes bore fruit as Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier combined for an impressive 42 points. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama, though not as prolific, contributed seven points to the team's effort. The collective performance highlighted France's tactical versatility and depth, key factors that led to their 88-76 victory over Canada.
Gobert's limited playing time raised some eyebrows, especially given his stature in the NBA. Fellow NBA player Draymond Green voiced his views, stating, “To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player not named Team USA is kind of crazy.”
Collet, however, was steadfast in his decisions. “Not only. It's the main one. He's a good player. I know he has pain in his finger despite the surgeon saying he could play. He didn't know exactly, but finally, this morning, he said, 'I can play.' My idea was to protect him if I could do it. As it was working well with the other big men, I preferred to keep him on the bench. He will be ready for the next game,” Collet further elaborated, emphasizing the effectiveness of the lineup adjustments.
The victory propels France into the semifinals where they will face Germany. Gobert is expected to be ready for the matchup, yet it remains uncertain whether he will regain his starting position. Regardless, France's recent performance underscores their resilience and strategic adaptation, qualities they'll look to leverage as they continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
Despite the initial concerns surrounding Gobert's injury and playing time, France’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure is a testament to their depth and coaching acumen. The team's tactical flexibility was showcased emphatically in their triumph over a formidable Canadian squad, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting semifinal clash.
As the French team prepares for their upcoming challenge against Germany, the spotlight will inevitably return to the decisions Coach Collet makes regarding player rotations and on-court strategies. The anticipation surrounding Gobert’s potential return to the starting lineup only adds to the drama of the next Olympic showdown.
France's journey in the Olympics is a story of strategic brilliance and resilience, a narrative that continues to unfold with each passing game. With their tactical prowess and collective strength, they remain a formidable contender for the ultimate prize at the Paris Olympics.