In a thrilling and unexpected turn of events, France delivered its best performance of the Paris 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament, securing an 82-73 victory over Canada at the Bercy Arena. However, the true surprise wasn’t just the win, but the players who stepped up to make it happen. While the spotlight was initially on stars like Victor Wembanyama, Nicolas Batum, and Rudy Gobert, it was the lesser-known trio of Guerschon Yabusele, Isaia Cordinier, and Mathias Lessort who stole the show, combining for a remarkable 55 points.
Mathias Lessort, typically the backup to Gobert, played a pivotal role, consistently attacking the basket and earning a staggering 14 trips to the free-throw line. His aggressive play and composure under pressure were critical as France maintained a lead throughout the game, never once trailing against a strong Canadian team.
Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier Lead France’s Resilient Rally: A Strong Defense Shuts Down Canada
Guerschon Yabusele, who has often been an underrated player on the international stage, expressed both surprise and frustration at the doubt surrounding the team. “I get the impression that a lot of people are surprised,” Yabusele remarked after the game. “We mustn’t doubt ourselves, guys! We all know how to deal with this kind of situation. We lost to Germany, and you get the impression that everything collapsed and that nobody wanted to support us anymore. I look at it and I don’t understand. What did we do wrong? OK, we’ve had some tough times, but there are only so many teams that come here and everything’s easy for them.”
Yabusele’s comments reflect the resilience and determination that have come to define this French team. After a disappointing loss to Germany in the Group C stage, where they were soundly beaten, France was forced to reassess its strategy. The coaching staff responded by tweaking the lineup and rotations, emphasizing defense and teamwork. The results were evident as Canada, which had been one of the tournament’s stronger teams, struggled to find its rhythm and was stymied by France’s intense defensive pressure.
Isaia Cordinier, another player who had flown under the radar, delivered a standout performance, contributing crucial points at key moments and showcasing his ability to step up when it mattered most. Cordinier’s energy and versatility were on full display, as he played both ends of the court with determination, helping to stifle Canada’s offensive threats.
France’s victory was not just a triumph of skill but also of strategy and heart. The game plan was clear: to disrupt Canada’s flow, control the pace, and capitalize on every scoring opportunity. This approach paid off handsomely, as France’s less-heralded players rose to the occasion, delivering when their team needed it most.
The win against Canada is a testament to the depth and talent within the French squad, proving that success in basketball is not solely dependent on star power. The contributions from Yabusele, Cordinier, and Lessort were instrumental in France’s victory, and their performances have undoubtedly bolstered the team’s confidence as they advance in the tournament. This victory also serves as a reminder that in the high-stakes world of Olympic basketball, it is often the unsung heroes who make the difference between victory and defeat.
