Victor Wembanyama, France oust Germany; home game for gold Sunday

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th August, 14:02 2024

France power forward Victor Wembanyama (32) has his team in the gold medal game at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games after defeating Germany on Thursday. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

PARIS -- Victor Wembanyama could get his wish of a gold medal home game against LeBron James and Team USA.

Bolstered by an electric home crowd, Wembanyama and his turbo-charged French men's basketball team won a 73-69 thriller over Germany on Thursday to send the host through to the Paris Olympics gold medal game.

France was led by a 17-point effort from Guerschon Yabusele while Isaia Cordinier chipped in 16, none more important than two free throws with seven seconds to play to blunt a Germany rally and seal the win

France, Tokyo Olympic silver medalists, awaits the winner between the United States and Serbia, who meet later on Thursday.

Wembanyama, the NBA Rookie of the Year with the San Antonio Spurs last season, said in June he "can't wait" to face Team USA in Paris.

That contest will be a rematch of the 2016 Rio Summer Games gold medal final and will pit the star-studded squad led by James, a four-time NBA most valuable player against the reigning three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

--Reuters, Special to Field Level Media

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