Canada will not be facing Team USA in the gold medal game of the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as their journey was cut short by France in the quarterfinals. Entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada had high hopes, but the night ended in disappointment as France secured an 82-73 victory.
First Quarter Struggles
Canada's troubles began early, with France's defense limiting them to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, Canada found themselves trailing 45-29. This slow start proved too significant a deficit to overcome, even with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge with a game-high 27 points.
French Fortitude
France's balanced attack was on full display. Guerschon Yabusele lit up the scoreboard with 22 points, and Evan Fournier's contribution of 15 points off the bench emphasized the depth of the French team. Even with phenom Victor Wembanyama scoring a modest seven points, France's collective effort was enough to secure victory.
Rudy Gobert, a defensive stalwart, only played three minutes, but his presence was felt as France's defense caused significant problems for the Canadians.
Canadian Woes
While Gilgeous-Alexander shone, the rest of the Canadian squad struggled to keep pace. RJ Barrett managed to score 16 points, but no other Canadian player reached double figures. The bench, contributing just 16 points, highlighted the lack of offensive support for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jamal Murray's performance also drew attention for the wrong reasons. Averaging 5.6 points per game and shooting a dismal 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament, Murray's seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France exemplified his struggles. His 2 for 14 shooting record on 3-point attempts throughout the tournament further emphasized his difficulties.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Canada's issues extended beyond shooting woes. They finished the game with 14 assists against 14 turnovers. Although France committed 17 turnovers, Canada's inability to capitalize on those opportunities contributed to their downfall.
Reflections and Future Hopes
For Canada, this Olympic appearance was their first since the 2000 Sydney Games, marking a significant accomplishment despite the early exit. Looking ahead, there are questions to be answered and lessons to be learned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed the frustration felt by the team: "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us." Head coach Jordi Fernandez echoed this sentiment, lamenting the lack of cohesion: "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Lu Dort, a forward for the Canadian team, summed up the collective disappointment and the drive to return stronger: "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
This experience will undoubtedly serve as a valuable lesson for Team Canada. The potential for growth is evident, and with young talents like Zach Edey focusing on their professional development, the future holds promise. Edey, an incoming NBA rookie, opted out of the 2024 Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, a decision that highlights the balancing act between national duty and professional aspirations.
Canada’s journey in the Paris Olympics may have ended earlier than hoped, but the foundational pieces are in place for resurgence. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, the lessons learned from this defeat could be pivotal in shaping the team’s success in future international competitions.