Canada's hopes for a gold medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an abrupt end following an unexpected quarterfinal defeat to France. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada struggled from the onset, ultimately succumbing to an 82-73 loss.
Disappointing Start
Canada's difficulties were evident early on. A robust French defense held the Canadian team to just 10 points in the first quarter, setting a challenging tone for the rest of the game. By halftime, Canada found themselves in a significant deficit, trailing 45-29.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led Canada with 27 points. However, his formidable scoring effort was not enough to overcome the early disadvantage.
Lackluster Performance
Several Canadian players failed to find their rhythm, notably Jamal Murray. Throughout the tournament, Murray had been averaging 5.6 points per game and shooting 33.9% from the field. Against France, he managed only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting and struggled from behind the arc with 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts throughout the tournament.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez lamented the team's disjointed play. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez said.
Bench Contributions
Canada's bench provided little relief, scoring only 16 points collectively. This was in stark contrast to France's effective rotations, which saw key contributions from players like Evan Fournier, who came off the bench to score 15 points.
France's Key Performers
France’s balanced attack was spearheaded by Guerschon Yabusele's 22 points. Young sensation Victor Wembanyama added seven points, while NBA veteran Rudy Gobert contributed despite logging only three minutes on the court. The French team’s ability to distribute scoring responsibilities highlighted a cohesive strategy that stood firm against Canadian pressure.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Canada's offensive struggles were compounded by as many turnovers as assists, finishing the game with a 14-14 ratio. France, despite turning the ball over 17 times, capitalized on Canada's mistakes and built their lead steadily.
This defeat marked the end of Canada's first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games, a fact that weighed heavily on the team. "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," said Canadian forward Lu Dort.
Missed Reactions and Future Aspirations
Canada’s Olympic journey saw the team navigate numerous challenges, including the loss of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew from the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. The absence of a consistent offensive strategy and the failure to react to France's initial defensive pressure were clear areas in need of improvement for future tournaments.
Though this exit was unexpected and disappointed many fans, it also served as a stepping stone for the Canadian team to reassess and rebuild as they eye their next opportunity on the world stage.