France is officially heading to the Finals where they will either face the United States super team or Nikola Jokic and Serbia. It was a battle all the way through the fourth quarter for France. Both teams had the chance to win, but it was the home team that closed it. With the crowd willing them all the way to the finish, they now must prepare for their gold medal match.
Guerschon Yabusele shows off amazing athleticism
France's starting forward, Guerschon Yabusele, was on fire this game. He finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Yabusele would foul out with a minute left in the game, but he had certainly done his part. The forward was an absolute monster in the paint, and his exclamation point play was a rim-rattling dunk in the third.
Yabusele was a critical leader in the charge through Germany as he poured on the points to get them their first lead. The French star was actually the one who assisted on the three-ball that would put them up for the first time. From there, he had his massive dunk, a layup, and a jumper to keep the pressure on Germany.
Heartbreak for Germany
You could feel hope come crashing to the ground when Franz Wagner spilled onto the floor and out of bounce on a defensive rebound. Germany had just put up an incredible defensive performance, but they were unable to capitalize on it. Instead, the ball would be back in France's hands.
Dennis Schroder should be given a round of applause for his ability to hit the three when it was needed most. He ended the game with 18 points. However, Franz Wagner couldn't put up the typical performance. The young German forward only had 10 points, but he did snag eight big rebounds.
The rest of the team struggled against France's solid defense. There were many missed opportunities and awkward shots that were forced as the shot clock neared zero. Many mistakes were made through this game, as Germany had a collective 15 turnovers. There were too many sloppy plays, giving France the chance to come back. Had Germany not turned things around in the end, France probably would have won by double digits.
Team France standouts
We already touched on Yabusele's great performance, but he didn't do it alone. Isaia Cordinier, Nicolas Batum, and Victor Wembanyama also had key moments. Cordinier was a man on a mission, scoring 16 points and playing with an electrifying energy around him. He nailed important shots and shattered the German defense.
Nicolas Batum showed his veteran skills off with a big block for the French. He helped with court spacing and held the Germans at bay in the paint. To follow, Victor Wembanyama had a fantastic game. He didn't score much, finishing with just 11 points and seven rebounds. However, it was his paint clogging that freed the French up in the field and around the arch. Team Germany was so worried about his presence that if properly placed, the rest of his team could handle the scoring with no problem.
France has a tough battle ahead of them. Both the USA and Serbia will make for interesting opponents. Like Wemby the Joker is a menace in the paint and in three-point land. However, the United States will be the bigger problem. The roster is stacked with defensive nightmares and offensive weapons. If either team can shut off Wemby, it could be game over. For now, though, it's time to recognize Team France as a deadly opponent for years to come.
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