20:20 – The summary
Perhaps it would have been necessary to wait for Vincent Collet’s men to get closer to the epicentre of these Olympic Games for them to rediscover the magic of their basketball. The transformation of the Blues against Canada in this quarter-final was grandiose and impressive, and no one will be able to contest a victory acquired with style and panache against the North Americans. The task that seemed very complex was brilliantly resolved by Fournier by providing the necessary ingredients from the start of the game. A solid defence, a newfound efficiency on 3-point shots, a certain audacity on offensive choices perfectly illustrated by Lessort and Yabusele and above all an extraordinary composure in the fateful moments. Isaia Cordinier and Evan Fournier were the main architects of this magnificent feat. The first gave the Blues a quick advantage at the start of the game to lead the first half with less pressure (45-29 at half-time). The second was breathtaking in his address in front of the circle in the last ten minutes with 3 long baskets which shattered all the Olympic dreams of the Canadiens.
The future leader of the Detroit Pistons also stood out for his ability to slow down the game and vary his passes when the Blues were under pressure (Gilgeous-Alexander’s partners came back to within five points at the end of the match). This is what Vincent Collet expected from his leader since the beginning of the Olympics. We will sign up for daily quarrels between the coach and the fireworks master of the Blues if France offers us performances as brilliant as the one offered in the quarter-finals.
Of course the secret objective of the Blues (that everyone knows) is to be there in the final against the Dream Team, but given the context and the poor quality of the French game for almost a month, we will already be happy that this rebuilt French team with an attractive face can offer us a medal of a color other than Gold. The next obstacle is Germany, but the difference between yesterday and today is that all of France believes in a new feat.
20:08 – The Blues have found their magic again
The French team rediscovered its magic and aura today against a Canadian opponent who never found control of the first matches. A precious Isaia Cordinier at the start of the match, an efficient Wembanyama on the rebounds and a sparkling Fournier in the moments of truth at the end of the match, these were the main keys to the phenomenal success of the Blues in this quarter-final.
20:04 – It’s over, Major exploit of the Blues
It’s over at Bercy Arena, France wins in style against Canada (82-73). The Blues, in front throughout the match, were never really worried by Gilgeous Alexander’s partners. Better still, they were calm and very effective in the moments of truth thanks in particular to a monstrous Evan Fournier on three-point shots.
20:01 – 40′ – Fournier to conclude (82-73)
Like a symbiosis, Evan Fournier scores the last two free throws of the game. 82-73
20:00 – 60- Wembanyama buries the Canadians (80-71)
Yet another basket in the last minute gives the Blues a 9-point lead.
19:59 – 60′ – France is almost there (78-71)
21 seconds left, 7 points ahead for the Blues with one possession to follow
19:55 – 60′ – Fournier is magical (76-66)
Evan Fournier makes a sparkling 3-pointer in the final second of French possession. 10 points difference with one minute to go
19:53 – 38′ – Fournier still effective (73-66)
The Blues regain a 7-point advantage thanks to two free throws from Fournier
19:53 – 38′ – Fournier still effective (73-66)
The Blues regain a 7-point advantage thanks to two free throws from Fournier
19:52 – 37′ – Cordinier loses a precious ball (71-66)
Cordinier loses a precious ball in his camp, Dort takes advantage to reduce the score (71-66)
19:50 – 37′ – Fournier on fire (71-62)
Evan Fournier is sparkling at the end of the game. He manages to restore a 9-point advantage with a breakthrough in front of the Canadian circle
19:48 – 67′ – Fournier gives the Blues a breather (68-62)
Superb three-point shot by Evan Fournier, the Canadiens respond quickly on a counterattack. 6 points difference in favor of the Blues
19:47 – 66′ – Canada comes back to within five points (65-60)
While the Blues continue to make unsuccessful three-point attempts, the Canadians come back to within five points thanks to baskets by Brooks and JR Barrett. France is still ahead
19:43 – 35′ – Ntilikina commits his fifth foul
Frank Ntlikina made his fifth mistake of the match. We will not see the Frenchman again in this match.
19:41 – 34′ – De Colo didn’t have his chance (65-55)
Six minutes from the end of this quarter-final, Nando De Colo is one of the rare French players not to have made an appearance on the court.