Gobert's Limited Play and France's Strategic Triumph Over Canada
In an unexpected twist at the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rudy Gobert found himself playing only three minutes against Canada. The star NBA center cited a finger injury as the primary reason for his limited involvement, a predicament that took many by surprise given his usual prominence on the French national team.
French coach Vincent Collet made a bold decision, pointing to strategic matchup considerations. "They play small ball. I wanted Wemby to start at five, that's why I put Yabusele at four. The other change was Isaia Cordinier for Evan Fournier because I wanted a defensive starting five," Collet explained. His strategic adjustments paid off, highlighting France’s tactical versatility and depth.
The starting lineup for France saw Victor Wembanyama at center and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward. Isaia Cordinier replaced Evan Fournier, focusing on bolstering the team's defensive stance. This revamped lineup proved effective against the previously unbeaten Canadian team, with Yabusele and Cordinier combining for an impressive 42 points.
Gobert's absence was particularly notable due to his NBA stature. "To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player not named Team USA is kind of crazy," remarked Draymond Green, highlighting the unusual nature of the move.
Gobert shed light on his situation, acknowledging the complexity of his limited play. "I have confidence in my teammates, the coaches. The plan worked, given how we started the match. There were several reasons why I didn't play, between the matchups but also what can happen in training, with the injuries. It was a good decision in any case. I was on the operating table last night. To be able to play in an Olympic quarterfinal, it was incredible."
Despite Gobert’s reduced minutes, the plan executed by Collet exhibited France's adaptability. “Not only. It’s the main one. He’s a good player. I know he has pain in his finger despite the surgeon saying he could play. He didn’t know exactly, but finally, this morning, he said, ‘I can play.’ My idea was to protect him if I could do it. As it was working well with the other big men, I preferred to keep him on the bench. He will be ready for the next game,” Collet commented.
Victor Wembanyama, though a towering presence, finished with seven points. Nevertheless, his defense and overall presence on the court were invaluable in securing France's victory over Canada. This win not only advanced France to the semifinals but also demonstrated the effectiveness of their lineup adjustments.
France’s challenging matchup against a strong Canadian team underscored the team's resilience and strategic adaptability, leading to a significant victory. Now, with the semifinals against Germany looming, the French squad is preparing to leverage their depth and versatility once again.
Rudy Gobert is expected to be ready for the semifinal game, though it remains uncertain if he will regain his starting position. Regardless of his spot in the lineup, Gobert’s commitment to his team and his determination to make a full comeback underscore his vital role in France's pursuit of Olympic glory.
France's victory over Canada was a testament to the team’s tactical flexibility and depth. Coach Collet emphasized the effectiveness of the lineup adjustments, which allowed the team to exploit their tactical versatility and ultimately win the game. As France gears up for their semifinal matchup with Germany, their adaptability and depth will undoubtedly be key factors in their quest for Olympic success.