Players wandered around the court with their hands on their heads, while the coaching staff celebrated by linking arms and jumping together. There were emotional hugs and tears. A veteran player took off his jersey and proudly paraded around the field, basking in the admiration of a crowd that showed no signs of leaving.
Team France celebrated their semifinal win over Germany as if they had already secured the trophy. What they had actually achieved was the opportunity to compete against Team USA in the gold medal game on Saturday (3 p.m. ET/noon PT) by the Seine in Paris.
The French team had faced internal strife, with Evan Fournier embroiled in a public disagreement with Collet over strategy. Collet had also criticized Wembanyama for not distributing the ball enough. In a pivotal game against Canada, Collet made dramatic changes to the lineup, leaving French star Rudy Gobert on the bench for nearly the entire match.
The French squad had been inconsistent, losing four pre-Olympic games and barely making it to the medal round after a controversial four-point play against Japan. They were decisively beaten by Germany in their initial pool game.
However, the past is now behind them. Team USA will face a French team on a hot streak and playing on their home turf. Collet’s lineup adjustments have injected new energy into the team, and Fournier, though no longer a starter, has made several crucial shots.
France first surprised many by defeating Canada, a major upset of the tournament, and then outplayed the previously undefeated Germans, the defending World Cup champions, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Coach Steve Kerr remarked on the electrifying atmosphere, capturing a video of the crowd’s energy, anticipating an even more intense environment for the upcoming final.
This upcoming match is a rematch of the 2021 Olympic final, where the U.S. narrowly defeated France. The French had previously ended Team USA’s 25-game Olympic win streak in pool play.
With a roster designed for size, including Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo, Team USA had France in mind as a key opponent. France’s ability to play both big and athletic, with players like Wembanyama and Gobert, adds depth to their defense. Recent lineup changes have allowed France to play with increased speed and intensity, especially with players like Guerschon Yabusele and Mathias Lessort making a notable impact.
Collet has continued to adjust, favoring a smaller lineup and integrating former backup guard Isaïa Cordinier, whose recent performance has been impressive. Cordinier has averaged 18 points over the past two games and been effective from three-point range, prompting extra preparation from the U.S. team.
The Americans will need to adapt their game plan to counter the French team’s flexibility, whether they opt for a smaller or bigger lineup. The U.S. boasts players like Adebayo, Davis, and LeBron James, who can guard various positions, giving them an edge.
Despite the tactical preparations, Team USA recognizes the challenge posed by a motivated French squad benefiting from home-court advantage. Steph Curry acknowledged the French team’s momentum and expected them to deliver their best performance, reflecting the intense anticipation for the upcoming gold medal game.
