Canada's hopes for a men's basketball gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed following a disheartening 82-73 quarterfinal loss to France. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, Team Canada could not overcome a slow start and a relentless French defense.
A Disappointing Start
From the outset, the game seemed to be slipping away from Canada. France's formidable defense held Canada to a mere 10 points in the first quarter, creating a deficit that proved too challenging to overcome. By halftime, the scoreboard read 45-29 in favor of France, putting Canada in an even deeper hole.
Speaking on the team's early struggles, star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the missed opportunity: "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us."
Individual Efforts Fall Short
Despite a valiant effort by Gilgeous-Alexander, who led Canada with 27 points, the overall team performance lacked cohesion. RJ Barrett contributed 16 points, yet no other Canadian player reached double figures. Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and scoring prowess were on full display, but it wasn't enough to elevate the team's performance.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez did not hold back in his assessment of the 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."
France's Strong Team Play
On the other side of the court, France demonstrated teamwork and efficiency. Guerschon Yabusele was a standout, scoring 22 points, while Evan Fournier added 15 points off the bench. Victor Wembanyama contributed with seven points, adding to France’s balanced scoring attack. Even with Rudy Gobert playing sparingly, France managed to control the rhythm of the game.
Canada's bench offered little support, combining for just 16 points. In contrast, the depth of the French squad and their defensive strategy played a pivotal role in their victory.
Murray's Struggles Continue
Jamal Murray's struggles were particularly notable. Averaging just 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament, Murray scored seven points on 3 of 13 shooting against France. His long-range struggles continued, as he ended the tournament with a 2 for 14 record on three-point attempts.
Murray’s inefficiency epitomized the team's difficulties. As the game progressed, the lack of offensive rhythm became evident, mirroring their equal tally of 14 assists and 14 turnovers. Despite France's 17 turnovers, Canada could not capitalize on these opportunities.
A Look Back After a Long Absence
Canada's return to the Olympic stage marked their first appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games. The high expectations were met with disappointment, much to the dismay of fans and players alike. Canadian forward Lu Dort expressed the collective sentiment: "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."
The Road Ahead
The result underscores the need for development and adjustment as Canada looks forward to future international competitions. With incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey electing to focus on his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies, the team's dynamics will likely continue to evolve. The lessons from Paris will undeniably shape their strategy and preparation for upcoming tournaments.
As Canada reflects on their Olympic journey, one thing remains clear: the potential is there, but translating it into consistent performance on the world stage remains the ultimate challenge.