When did France basketball team last reach Olympic basketball final? Closer look at French basketball history

France will take on the biggest challenge of its 2024 Olympic run on Saturday for the gold medal game against Team USA. It will be a showdown that fans have been looking forward to as the young star, Victor Wembanyama, will lead the charge against the experienced USA squad.

The French team defeated Germany 73-69 on Thursday to secure a spot in the final round. Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points. Isaia Cordinier helped out with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Reaching the final round means France will get a rematch against Team USA for the gold medal. The last time they played against each other in the Olympics was in the 2020 Tokyo Games. That was also the last time they played in the final. However, the USA prevailed 87-82 as France won the silver medal.

In its 11 appearances at the Olympic games, the French national team has been in the final round three times (1984, 2000, 2020). On Saturday, France will make its fourth appearance and try to get the win against the powerhouse USA team that's led by LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.

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Why did France's starting center only play five minutes against Germany?

In a crucial game against Germany, Rudy Gobert only registered five minutes before being sidelined for the majority of the game. France coach Vincent Collet even opted for Gobert to come off the bench.

During the group phase, the French center had a decent outing as he averaged 7.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. There was hope from fans that they'd see a dynamic frontcourt duo with Gobert and Wemby at the knockout stage.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defensive center injured his finger during a practice session. Gobert also said that he underwent surgery for it on Monday. Collet later clarified that it wasn't a surgery, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

"Collet indicates this wasn’t surgery, but an exam that included an MRI and caused Gobert pain," Amick wrote. "It was a factor — but not at all THE factor — in his playing time. Collet wanted to go small(er). Gobert was cleared to play."

The national team will need him back in its game against Team USA. Although Gobert doesn't offer much on the offensive end, his defensive skills have worked out well during international contests.