France outlasts Germany 73-69 to reach Olympic basketball final

PARIS – Hosts France edged out Germany 73-69 on Thursday to advance to the final of the Olympic men’s basketball tournament in Paris. The victory sets up a potential rematch with four-time reigning champions the United States, should they overcome Serbia in the second semi-final.

Guerschon Yabusele led the way for France, scoring 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier added 16. Despite another subpar shooting night, Victor Wembanyama contributed 11 points, including several key plays that helped shift the momentum in France’s favor.

Dennis Schroder top-scored for Germany with 18 points, while Fritz Wagner added 10. Germany, who had previously defeated France in the group stage, started strong, building a 28-18 lead early in the second quarter. However, France responded, with Wembanyama energizing the crowd with a block on Daniel Theis and a three-point play to help tie the game at halftime, 33-33.

Nicolas Batum’s three-pointer at the start of the second half gave France their first lead, and Yabusele followed with a series of baskets to keep the game tight. The teams traded leads in a gripping third quarter, but France pulled ahead 56-50 entering the final period.

France appeared to be in control after Wembanyama’s three-pointer and a block that led to a Frank Ntilikina transition three, extending their lead to 13 points. However, Germany mounted a late comeback, with Wagner’s long three cutting the deficit to two with under 40 seconds remaining.

A crucial turnover by Wagner allowed France to seal the win, with Cordinier calmly converting free throws to secure their place in the final.