The Canadian men's basketball team will have to wait another four years for a shot at Olympic glory. Their much-anticipated appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics ended abruptly as they faced a formidable French team in the quarterfinals. Despite entering the game as eight-point favorites, Canada succumbed to an 82-73 defeat.
Early Struggles
France’s defense set the tone early, holding Canada to just 10 points in the first quarter. By halftime, the Canadians found themselves in a deep hole, down 45-29. Despite a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led all scorers with 27 points, the Canadians couldn’t muster enough offense to mount a comeback.
"We all wanted to win. I don't know why we started out that way, but it does. It hurts us," Gilgeous-Alexander lamented after the game, his frustration evident.
French Dominance
France’s balanced attack proved too much for the Canadians. Guerschon Yabusele paced the French with 22 points, while Evan Fournier provided a crucial spark off the bench, contributing 15 points. Victor Wembanyama added seven points, and Rudy Gobert made a brief but impactful three-minute appearance.
Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernandez, pointed to the lack of team play as a pivotal factor in the loss. "We didn't match their energy and physicality. Offensively, I thought it was our most selfish game. We didn't share the ball," he observed.
A Disappointing Team Effort
The Canadians struggled to find secondary scoring, with only RJ Barrett reaching double figures alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, adding 16 points. Jamal Murray, who had been averaging 5.6 points and shooting 33.9% from the field throughout the tournament, had another underwhelming performance. He managed just seven points on 3 of 13 shooting, including a dismal 2 for 14 from beyond the arc during the entire tournament.
Canada’s overall performance was marred by turnovers and a lack of offensive cohesion. They finished the game with as many assists as turnovers (14), a statistic that underscored their struggles. Despite forcing France into 17 turnovers, the Canadians could not capitalize on these opportunities.
A Long Road Back
This Olympic appearance was Canada’s first since the 2000 Sydney Games, making the loss even more painful for the team and its supporters. Lu Dort, reflecting on the game and the journey ahead, said, "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 to Paris had its complications even before the tournament. The Canadians had to manage without incoming NBA rookie Zach Edey, who withdrew from the roster to focus on his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the team’s inconsistent performance throughout the tournament revealed deeper issues that need addressing.
The defeat to France highlighted the gaps in Canada’s game plan and execution. While individual talent like Gilgeous-Alexander shone through, basketball remains a team sport, and the Canadians fell short in delivering a cohesive team performance. Coach Fernandez's comments about their lack of energy and selfish play serve as a sobering reminder that skill alone isn’t enough to secure victories on the international stage.
As Canada looks to the future, significant work lies ahead. The players and coaching staff will need to address their shortcomings and build a more unified and efficient unit. For now, their dreams of Olympic gold are on hold, but the lessons from Paris will undoubtedly shape their preparations for the next journey.
The sting of this defeat might be lasting, but it can also serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement. Canada must regroup, refine their strategies, and strive to return to the Olympic stage, stronger and more resilient. The road to redemption begins now.