Canada’s dream for a medal at Paris 2024 Olympics has been dashed after losing to France 82-73 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday in a jam-packed Bercy Arena in Paris.
Following a dominating performance in the group stage, where they registered a 3-0 score, they couldn’t cross the quarter hurdle against an aggressive French team who never allowed the Canadians to settle in the game.
With the Bercy Arena in Paris supporting the home team, the Canada Basketball team fumbled early on as they missed shots, forced passes, and looked completely unconvincing for the first time in the Paris 2024 Olympics. 
France took a big 23-10 lead in the first quarter after some brilliant play. Due to reeling from the home supporters, Canada appeared to have difficulty communicating with themselves early on in the match. In the first quarter, the Red and White struggled to get a grip on the game, committing five fouls, and seven turnovers.
Canada staged a comeback in the second quarter to win 22-19, bringing them back in the match. Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders, Canada’s superstar guard, scored 11 of Canada’s 19 points, bringing them back into contention.
Despite his best efforts, Canada did not win the match, falling short of nine points. He scored 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, and assisted four times. Even with his best effort, Canada could not reduce a 16-point deficit in the second half against the French aggressors.
During the third quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders scored 8 more points for the team, resulting in a cut in the lead to 11 points after the team finished at 16-21. After reducing the gap by just five points with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Canada thought they could make a comeback into the game. Despite this, France won the game with two straight offensive rebounds, a dagger three-pointer from Fournier, and some free throws settling the tie.
History has repeated, that Canada have faced elimination by the same opponent at a similar stage
Canada has been troubled by France in the Olympics after defeating them in the quarterfinals of the 2000 Olympics. The Red and White were making their first Olympic appearance after this loss, but they were defeated again on Tuesday to the same opponents at Paris 2024. Even though Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders scored 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, the team fell nine points short.
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