It’s a chance to settle a score that’s lasted for almost a quarter-century.
Canada vs. France in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament will give the Canadians a chance to get even for one of the toughest losses the country has ever suffered.
At the 2000 Sydney Games, the last time Canada played men’s basketball at the Olympics, France upset a Steve Nash-led team to end a magical run. France went on to win the silver medal; Canada finished seventh.
This time, Canada has a chance to return the favour against NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama and the hosts in Tuesday’s knockout game in Paris, starting at noon ET.
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It will be United States-Brazil, Germany-Greece and Serbia-Australia in the other quarterfinals. The Canada-France winner will play Germany or Greece in the semifinals on Thursday. The medal games are next Saturday.
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Canada beat France 85-73 in an exhibition game leading up to Paris. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23 points and RJ Barrett added 21.
At the Games, Canada finished first in its pool with consecutive wins over Greece, Australia and Spain. France went 2-1, beating Brazil and Japan but losing to the 2023 World Cup champions from Germany.
Led by Wembanyama and Minnesota Timberwolves centre Rudy Gobert, the French have been good but not world beaters. American star LeBron James said France hasn’t been tough enough to handle the FIBA style of play.
“I wasn’t very impressed with their last game,” James told reporters in France this weekend. “I didn’t think they were ready for the physicality of Germany. Other than that, they were playing some good ball.”
Doug
Smith is a sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow him on
Twitter: @smithraps.
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