Canada's hopes of clinching a gold medal in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics were dashed in a heart-wrenching quarterfinal game against France. Coming into the matchup as eight-point favorites, Canada found themselves on the losing end of an 82-73 game that saw France dominate from the outset.
Early Struggles and Defensive Woes
The game got off to a rough start for Canada, whose offense was stymied by a tenacious French defense that limited them to just 10 points in the first quarter. Despite a strong performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the team with 27 points, Canada trailed significantly at halftime, down 45-29. Head coach Jordi Fernandez lamented the team’s effort, stating, "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball."
French Team Efforts Pay Off
On the other side, France benefited from a collective effort. Guerschon Yabusele led France with 22 points, while Evan Fournier added 15 off the bench. Rising star Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt with seven points, and though Rudy Gobert played just three minutes, his impact on defense was noticeable. France's defensive scheme successfully neutralized Canada’s scoring threats, an effort highlighted by their ability to limit RJ Barrett to 16 points, with no other Canadian player reaching double figures.
Key Performances and Missed Opportunities
Jamal Murray, who had been struggling throughout the tournament, continued his slump, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 shooting against France. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Murray’s tournament-long struggles were encapsulated by his 2-for-14 performance from beyond the arc. Canada’s bench also failed to provide the necessary spark, contributing just 16 points compared to France’s more balanced offensive output.
The loss also underscored Canada’s difficulties in maintaining possession and ball movement. They finished the game with as many assists as turnovers, 14 each, whereas France turned the ball over 17 times, but effectively mitigated their mistakes through stout defensive plays. These miscues were particularly costly in high-pressure moments, as France capitalized on each opportunity.
A Historic Return Ends in Disappointment
Canada's appearance at the Paris Olympics marked their first since the 2000 Sydney Games, raising hopes of a deep run. However, the reality of the early exit struck hard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander voiced the team's collective frustration, saying, "We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us." His feelings were echoed by Lu Dort, who emphasized the team’s aspirations and future focus: "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."
One major storyline heading into the tournament was the withdrawal of Zach Edey from the Olympic roster. The incoming NBA rookie decided to focus on his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies, a loss that many speculated could have had an impact on the team’s depth and interior presence.
The silver lining, if any, lies in the lessons taken from the 2024 campaign as Canada sets its sights on the future. The young core that includes players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett will likely form the backbone of the national team for years to come. The experience, though painful, may serve as a stepping stone towards a brighter future in international basketball.
As they look ahead, the Canadian squad knows what they need to work on—both in terms of playing style and individual performances. Head coach Jordi Fernandez faces the challenge of harnessing this talented roster and molding it into a cohesive unit capable of overcoming the world’s best teams in subsequent tournaments. For now, the focus shifts to rebuilding and regrouping, with the knowledge that another Olympic opportunity awaits in four years. Until then, Canada’s basketball community will be left reflecting on what might have been.