With quiet performances from the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, the French Men’s National Team defeated the NBA star-studded Canadian men’s National Team 82-73 to advance to the Semi-Finals, where they will face Germany.
Canada basketball has not medaled in the Olympics since 1936 😳 pic.twitter.com/AXOWmkdMG6
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 6, 2024
Wemby only scored seven points for the french, while Gobert went scoreless from the field in under four minutes played. However, Wemby’s presence was most heavily felt on the defensive end of the ball, racking up 10 rebounds, nine of which came from the defensive glass, along with a block and three steals.
French forwards Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier led their team in scoring, recording 22 and 20 points, respectively. Detroit Pistons and French guard Evan Fornier captured 15 points for his home country, helping secure a slot against the Germans in the Semi-Finals.
While Canada’s roster was full of NBA talent from the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, and Jamal Murray, to name a few, the North American team fell short of reaching an opportunity to medal for their country by nine points. Despite the best effort from Gilegous-Alexander, who scored a game-high 27 points, and Barrett, who was the only other Canadian in double-figure scoring with 16 points, the Canadians will return home, where a majority of their roster can focus on their upcoming NBA season.
