France's Basketball Team Shocks Canada, Advances to Semifinals with 82-73 Victory

In a thrilling showdown at Bercy Arena, France's men's basketball team delivered a stunning performance to defeat Canada 82-73, advancing them to the semifinals of the tournament. The French squad, buoyed by the raucous support of approximately 20,000 fans who passionately chanted their national anthem, exhibited a tremendous resolve throughout the game. The standout player, Victor Wembanyama, a 20-year-old rising star, seemed to sense the victory even before tipoff, raising his arms to the sky in celebration of their impending success. This victory is especially significant for France, as they aim to secure a medal in basketball for only the fourth time in their Olympic history and the first time since 2020. Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated matchup against Germany on Thursday. For Canada, the loss comes as a disappointment, particularly given the high expectations surrounding their squad, which features ten NBA players and was considered a serious contender for gold against Team USA. After achieving their first-ever medal at last year's FIBA World Cup—bringing home a bronze—Canada's hopes for Olympic glory have been dampened. Historically, their Olympic achievements in men's basketball are limited to a lone silver medal from 1936. The coaching decisions made by Vincent Collet before the game were particularly noteworthy. In a bold move that raised eyebrows, Collet opted to bench two of France’s most experienced players, Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, shifting his starting lineup to include Frank Ntilikina, Nic Batum, Guerschon Yabusele, Isaia Cordinier, and Wembanyama. This marked the third alteration to the starting five during the tournament, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke. Yabusele shone brightly with 21 points and five rebounds, while Cordinier contributed 20 points, helping France establish a commanding lead. Despite Wembanyama's relatively quiet night with only five points, his presence was felt through his ten rebounds. The Canadian team struggled offensively, shooting just 38 percent from the field and committing 14 turnovers, which stifled their chances of mounting a comeback. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with 25 points but faced considerable challenges against the French defense. The first quarter set the tone for the game, as France took control early with a 23-10 lead. The Canadians, known for their suffocating defense, appeared tight and disorganized, with key players like Dillon Brooks and Jamal Murray failing to find their rhythm. The half concluded with a three-pointer from Yabusele, extending France's lead to 45-29 and leaving the Canadian team in dire straits. As the game progressed, France maintained their composure, weathering any attempts by Canada to rally. The electric atmosphere in the arena reached a fever pitch as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the victory for the French. With the crowd erupting in celebration, the players and fans alike reveled in the moment, holding onto the hope of Olympic success as they prepare to face Germany in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.