In a stunning turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Germany handed France its first loss in the men’s basketball group stage, defeating the host nation 78-74. The game was highly anticipated as both teams were considered strong contenders, but Germany’s resilience and tactical execution ultimately secured them the victory.
France, led by NBA stars such as Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, entered the match with high expectations, especially playing on home soil. However, Germany, showcasing a balanced team effort, disrupted their rhythm early on. The German team, anchored by their NBA players like Dennis Schröder and Daniel Theis, maintained a disciplined approach both defensively and offensively, which proved crucial in outlasting the French squad.
The game began with Germany establishing an early lead, taking advantage of France’s slow start. Schröder, who played a pivotal role, orchestrated the offense with precision, finding open teammates and driving to the basket when necessary. His leadership on the court was complemented by Theis’ presence in the paint, which helped Germany control the rebounds and limit France’s second-chance points.
France struggled to find their groove, particularly in the first half, where they trailed by as many as 10 points. While Gobert was effective in protecting the rim and grabbing rebounds, the French team was plagued by inconsistent shooting and turnovers. Evan Fournier, who was expected to be a key offensive weapon, had difficulty finding his shot, which hampered France’s ability to mount a sustained comeback.
As the game progressed into the second half, France began to show signs of life. A late third-quarter surge, driven by a few key defensive stops and fast-break opportunities, brought the game within striking distance. However, every time France seemed poised to take control, Germany responded with timely baskets, often from beyond the arc. Andreas Obst and Maodo Lo were particularly effective in hitting crucial three-pointers that kept France at bay.
In the final quarter, the tension in the arena was palpable as France made one last push to overturn the deficit. Despite their best efforts, including a couple of late-game heroics from Fournier, Germany’s composure in the closing minutes allowed them to seal the victory. Schröder’s clutch free throws in the final seconds extinguished any hopes of a French comeback, ensuring Germany’s triumph.
The result is a significant statement for Germany, marking them as a formidable team in this tournament. For France, the loss is a wake-up call that will require them to reassess their strategies as they look to advance past the group stage. With both teams expected to continue deep into the tournament, this game may well be a preview of a potential rematch in the knockout stages.
