Host country France advances to the Paris 2024 Olympics after pulling off a surprise win over Canada.
Canada had been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament, earning third place after finishing with a perfect 3-0 record to win the “Group of Death.” However, their hopes of winning a medal in men’s basketball at the Olympics for the first time since 1936 were short-lived, as they were defeated by France in the first round of the knockout stage.
France coach Vincent Collet made a difficult lineup change to gain an advantage over Canada, benching longtime Les Bleus captains Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier.
The bold decision paid off as France got off to a good start and built a comfortable lead in the first quarter that they never relinquished.
How France’s decision to bench Rudy Gobert led to an unexpected win over Canada
France used two different starting line-ups in three group games, but after being outclassed by Germany in the final match before the knockout round, coach Collet decided it was time for another change.
Against a Canadian team loaded with talent on the perimeter and short on impact players in the frontcourt, Collet decided to bring his two pillars, Gobert and Fournier, off the bench.
The decision to bench Fournier is self-explanatory: The 31-year-old has never been a defender, even in his prime. Gobert, on the other hand, is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, but this isn’t the first time he’s been taken off the court due to poor matchups.
We’ve seen it happen a few times throughout his NBA playoff career. Canada’s frontcourt rotation of Dwight Powell, Kelly Olynyk and Khem Birch didn’t pose much of a physical threat inside, so Collet trusted his team could get away with playing small players. And it worked.
Instead, he started sharpshooter Isaia Cordinier and defensive guard Frank Ntilikina, moving Victor Wembanyama to center to give France a more versatile lineup against scorers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett.
The play paid off immediately, as Cordinier was on fire from the 3-point line and scored 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range in the first half. His two-way energy set the tone for France, building a 16-point halftime lead that Canada was unable to overcome.
France ?? with a big lead after Q1.#Paris2024 X #Basketball photo.twitter.com/f6dvbGNEKa
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 6, 2024
When it was announced that Gobert would be coming off the bench, the expectation was that he would continue to play a key role as a reserve. However, Gobert only played three minutes and 41 seconds in the entire game, finishing with zero points and one rebound.
Following France’s victory, it was revealed that Gobert He injured his left ring finger during Saturday’s practice.He reportedly underwent surgery on Monday, limiting his minutes against Canada. Collet accepted that Gobert’s injury was a factor in his limited playing time, but that wasn’t the case. he factor. The French coach wanted to play with a smaller profile against Canada.
Fournier accepted Collet’s decision and became a microwave scorer off the bench. He finished with a 2024 Olympic-best 15 points. That included three three-pointers, the last of which was a miracle shot late in the fourth quarter that put a dagger in Canada’s comeback hopes.
Evan Fournier comes in from the center to make a three-pointer and the French crowd is DELIGHTED. ???
? E! and Peacock | #ParisOlympics photo.twitter.com/46Vp5nA38T
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2024
Guerschon Yabusele also benefited from a larger role, leading France in scoring with 22 points. Without Gobert in the paint, Yabusele dominated inside.
Even if Collet was forced into action by Gobert’s injury, the France coach pushed the right buttons to ensure his side did not suffer an early elimination on home soil.
France will advance to play Germany in the semifinals with a trip to the gold medal match at stake.
