In a thrilling semifinal at the Paris Olympics, France’s men’s basketball team, fueled by an electric home crowd, held off a late rally from Germany to secure a spot in the gold medal game. The host nation emerged victorious with a 73-69 win on Thursday, setting the stage for a showdown against either the reigning four-time champions, the United States, or Serbia.
Guerschon Yabusele was the standout performer for France, leading the team with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier chipped in 16. Victor Wembanyama, despite struggling with his shooting, managed to contribute 11 points, adding crucial defensive plays that energized the team and the Bercy Arena crowd.
Germany, led by Dennis Schroder with 18 points, came out strong, just as they had in their earlier group-stage victory over France. Fritz Wagner was the only other German player to score in double figures, as the team now turns its focus to securing its first-ever Olympic medal in the bronze medal game.
Germany’s fast start saw them take control early, with Schroder and Wagner finding their rhythm and pushing the lead to 28-18 after a three-pointer from Nick Weiler-Babb early in the second quarter. However, France quickly responded, with Wembanyama making his presence felt. The young star opened his scoring with a bank shot and followed it up by blocking Germany’s Daniel Theis, which sent the crowd into a frenzy. His three-point play and a powerful dunk just before halftime helped France level the score at 33-33.
France Holds On for a Narrow Victory Over Germany, Securing a Spot in the Final
The momentum carried into the second half, where Nicolas Batum nailed a three-pointer to give France their first lead of the game. Yabusele, who had been instrumental in France’s quarter-final victory over Canada, continued his excellent form, scoring key baskets to keep France ahead despite Schroder’s efforts to keep Germany within reach.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle, but France managed to create some breathing room when Evan Fournier sank a three-pointer, helping his team enter the final period with a 56-50 lead. France seemed poised to pull away when Wembanyama hit a three-pointer, followed by a basket from Mathias Lessort, extending the lead to 13 points after another Wembanyama block on Schroder led to a Frank Ntilikina three-pointer in transition.
However, Germany refused to go quietly. Wagner’s long-range three-pointer cut the deficit to just two points with under 40 seconds remaining, putting pressure back on France. In the tense final moments, Wagner stumbled after securing a critical rebound, giving France a reprieve. Wembanyama missed one of his two free throws, but Cordinier capitalized on his opportunities from the line, sealing the win and sending France to the final to the jubilation of the home supporters.
