Canada will not be facing Team USA in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite high hopes and a promising roster, the path to victory was cut short in the quarterfinals.
Early Struggles Against France
The much-anticipated match against France saw Canada entering as eight-point favorites, thanks in part to the stellar performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the tournament. However, the game took an unfortunate turn almost immediately.
France's defensive prowess was evident from the start, as they held Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the deficit had widened significantly, with Canada trailing 45-29. Gilgeous-Alexander did his best, leading Canada with 27 points, but it wasn't enough to bridge the gap. Reflecting on the performance, he succinctly summed up the team’s sentiment: "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
Key Performances
Victor Wembanyama, a rising star for France, contributed seven points, while Guerschon Yabusele led the team with 22 points. Evan Fournier provided a significant boost off the bench, adding 15 points to France’s score. Rudy Gobert, France's defensive anchor, played limited minutes but still made his presence felt.
Canadian Struggles
While Gilgeous-Alexander shone in the spotlight, RJ Barrett was the only other Canadian player to reach double figures, scoring 16 points. Unfortunately, Canada struggled overall in ball distribution and maintaining possession, finishing with an equal number of assists and turnovers at 14 apiece. Head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed his disappointment, highlighting the lack of team cohesion: "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Particularly underwhelming was the performance of Jamal Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points on 33.9% shooting in the tournament. Against France, Murray managed only seven points on a dismal 3-of-13 shooting, further compounded by his 2-for-14 performance on three-point attempts throughout the tournament. These statistics paint a bleak picture of Canada's offensive woes.
A Long-Awaited Return
This Olympic appearance marked Canada’s first return to the men’s basketball event since the 2000 Sydney Games. Expectations were high, with many looking forward to a potential showdown against powerhouse Team USA in the finals. The loss to France ended those dreams abruptly and served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie in international competition.
Adding to the hurdles, the Canadian team also faced personnel changes leading up to the tournament. Incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey withdrew from the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, marking a notable absence. Meanwhile, Lu Dort, a reliable forward for Canada, voiced the collective 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 Forward
As the team reflects on their journey and the heartbreak of falling short, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards future opportunities and the continuous development of Canada’s basketball program. Learning from both triumphs and trials is essential as they aim to build a legacy that can contend with the world's best on the grandest of stages.
In Paris, the spotlight may no longer be on Canada for this Olympic cycle, but the lessons learned and the experiences gained will undeniably shape the future endeavors of the team. The road to redemption begins now.