2023-08-25 15:57:00
But what a big slap. Ambitious, talented, experienced, Olympic vice-champion and European vice-champion, the French team began its campaign for world gold in the worst possible way this Friday. To the point of wondering if it is not already time to worry regarding the players of Vincent Collet, slapped very curtly by Team Canada (95-65) for his first match of the World Cup in Jakarta. In contact in the first period (43-40), the Blues completely exploded following the break before losing heavily.
The return to earth is violent following an almost perfect preparation – six victories and a single defeat – and a dream of coronation assumed by Nicolas Batum and his partners. The start is catastrophic. They displayed a level of play unworthy of a title candidate by being rolled over by a Canadian formation, certainly presented as dangerous but ultimately well above the Habs. At least on this encounter. Led by 19 points from Evan Fournier, France held on for twenty minutes. A very disputed and very intense start to the game. It remained to be seen who was going to crack first.
Le festival Gilgeous-Alexander
The answer came quickly, from the start of the second period. Until then very discreet and limited to 2 baskets in 9 attempts in the first two quarters, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed his status as the new superstar of the orange ball by planting baskets following baskets following returning from the locker room. The French mightn’t stop him once launched and the Thunder player, author of 31 points per game in the NBA last season, used his size, speed and technique to outflank the defense opposing possession following possession. His 8 points in less than 5 minutes allowed his side to widen a first gap (44-56)… which has continued to grow.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Canada-France
Credit: Getty Images
“SGA” finished with 27 points – 19 following the break -, 13 rebounds and 6 assists, for 36 evaluation. His 13 points in the third quarter put Canada on the road to victory, when France completely missed out (8-25 in 10 minutes).
Helpless Blues
Unable to react, the Blues constantly came up once morest the hyper aggressive defense of their opponents. And they never knew how to adapt. Fournier was the only one able to bring danger but he was limited to 2 small points in the second period. Matthias Lessort and Nando De Colo (12 points each) have been intermittently good. But behind, it’s the desert, with losses of balls in shambles (17!) and a glaring absence of offensive solutions.
Luguentz Dort (Canada) once morest Nicolas Batum (France), Friday August 25, 2023. / 2023 World Cup
Credit: Getty Images
With limited options in the lead, without real ingenuity, the EDF has never been able to put its game in place. She just suffered the physical challenge imposed by the Canadians, like the rough Dillon Brooks and Lu Dort. She relied on (too) many distant attempts in a desperate quest for a comeback (6 out of 28 behind the arc). The Tricolores also multiplied the faults on the other side of the field, taking the brunt of the speed and power of the many athletic wingers of the selection coached by Jordi Fernandez.
“It’s a good slap in the face,” admits Batum at the microphone of beIN Sports. Shocked, the Blues will however have to react quickly. They face Latvia on Sunday (3:30 p.m.), broad winner of Lebanon (109-70) earlier in the day. “We took a good beating, we no longer have a joker”, also designs Evan Fournier. Indeed, a new defeat would be synonymous with elimination. It’s urgent. Already.
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