As the clock ticked down during the 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinal match between Canada and France, the disappointment was palpable for Canadian fans and players alike. In a game where Canada was favored by eight points, the final score of 82-73 in favor of France was a stark contrast to the expectations set going into the matchup.
A Rough Start: Canada’s Early Struggles
Canada’s troubles began the moment the game started. France's defense held Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, Canada was staring at an ominous 45-29 deficit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did his best to rally the team, leading the Canadian squad with 27 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early setbacks.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," said a visibly frustrated Gilgeous-Alexander after the game.
Key Contributions from France
The French team saw significant contributions from Guerschon Yabusele, who led his team with 22 points. France also received critical bench scoring from Evan Fournier, who chipped in with 15 points. Victor Wembanyama, noted for his promising NBA career, added seven points, while Rudy Gobert made a brief three-minute appearance.
Canada's bench, on the other hand, could only muster 16 points. RJ Barrett contributed 16 points, but no other Canadian player managed to reach double figures. The disconnect on offense was evident, with players seemingly unable to work cohesively as a unit. Head coach Jordi Fernandez was candid about the team's performance, stating, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
Murray’s Slump Continues
Jamal Murray, who had been struggling throughout the tournament, continued to face difficulties. He had been averaging just 5.6 points per game and shooting a disappointing 33.9% from the field. Against France, Murray scored only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting. His performance from beyond the arc was dismal, hitting just two of fourteen attempts throughout the tournament.
Turnover Troubles
Canada also struggled with ball control, finishing the game with 14 assists against 14 turnovers, whereas France handed the ball over 17 times. Despite forcing more turnovers, Canada couldn't capitalize, revealing deeper issues in their execution and game management. Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, the forward, will need to shoulder the burden of leadership in the coming years.
"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 Dort, echoing the sentiments of many on the team.
Reflecting on Canada’s Journey
Canada's appearance in Paris marked their first Olympic participation since the 2000 Sydney Games, a milestone that still stands as an achievement. The loss against France, however, underscores the challenges and growth required to compete at the top levels of international basketball. The absence of incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew from the Olympic roster to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, was also felt.
As the Canadian team packs up its Olympic hopes for another four years, the path forward will inevitably involve deep reflections and strategic changes. Whether it is rethinking player rotations, enhancing defensive schemes, or fostering better offensive coherence, the Canadian men’s basketball team must evolve to meet the rigor of international competition.
The road to redemption will be long and arduous, but with players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett leading the charge, and the potential of reinforcements like Edey or a rejuvenated Murray, the future holds promise. The Paris setback may just be the crucible through which a stronger, more resilient Canadian team emerges.