The Canadian men’s basketball team will not be competing for the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite high hopes and being favored by eight points, their journey was cut short in the quarterfinals by a resilient French team.
Canada’s Olympic Dreams Shattered
In a game that many Canadians had circled on their calendars, the team faced off against France in a match that would determine whether they continued to chase their gold medal dreams. Unfortunately for Canada, the result was an 82-73 defeat, ending their aspirations prematurely.
The French defense played a pivotal role, holding Canada to just 10 points in the opening quarter, setting a tone that would persist throughout the game. By halftime, Canada was trailing significantly, 45-29, a deficit that proved insurmountable despite their efforts in the latter half of the game.
Star Performances and Missed Opportunities
Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with an impressive 27 points, showcasing his skill and determination. However, it wasn’t enough to counteract the balanced offensive attack from France, led by Guerschon Yabusele who scored 22 points. Evan Fournier also made substantial contributions, adding 15 points off the bench, providing the depth that France needed to secure the victory.
RJ Barrett chipped in with 16 points for Canada, but the lack of scoring support from the rest of the team became glaringly evident. No other Canadian player scored in double figures, highlighting the offensive struggles that haunted them throughout the tournament.
A Tale of Two Sides
The game witnessed inefficiencies from both teams, particularly regarding ball handling. Canada finished with 14 assists and 14 turnovers, while France turned the ball over 17 times. Despite this, France's ability to capitalize on their opportunities, particularly in the first half, put them in the driver’s seat.
France's defensive prowess was further exemplified as they limited key players like Jamal Murray, who finished with only seven points on 3 of 13 shooting. Murray’s struggles from beyond the arc continued, as he went 2 for 14 on 3-point attempts during the tournament.
Coaching Insights and Reflections
Canadian head coach Jordi Fernandez provided a candid appraisal of his team’s performance. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," Fernandez remarked, lamenting the missed chance for a deeper run in the tournament.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing his disappointment: "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us." The inability to find a rhythm early on undoubtedly impacted Canada’s chances of staging a comeback.
Looking to the Future
This marked Canada’s first appearance in Olympic men’s basketball since the 2000 Sydney Games, a notable achievement despite the early exit. However, this milestone only adds to the sting of their untimely elimination. Lu Dort voiced the team's determination moving forward. "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," Dort stated, reflecting the resilience and long-term commitment of the Canadian squad.
Canada's journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics might have ended sooner than anticipated, but the experience gained and lessons learned will surely fuel their drive for future competitions. With talents like Gilgeous-Alexander, Barrett, and Murray, combined with young prospects like incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey—who pulled out to focus on his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies—the future still holds promise for Canadian basketball.