In a thrilling matchup at Bercy Arena in Paris, France's men's basketball team pulled off a stunning upset against Canada, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Olympics. With a final score of 82-73, the French squad displayed their determination and resilience against a formidable Canadian team that featured 10 NBA players.

From the very beginning, the French players showcased their talent and unity. Coach Vincent Collet made a bold move by altering the starting lineup, opting to exclude Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, two of the team's most revered players. Instead, Frank Ntilikina, Nic Batum, Guerschon Yabusele, Isaia Cordinier, and Victor Wembanyama took the floor. This marked the third time France had changed its starters throughout the tournament, raising eyebrows among spectators.

Perhaps the most surprising change was the limited role of Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert, who recently underwent surgery on his left ring finger, entered the game with just 7 minutes and 41 seconds remaining in the first half. He finished with only three minutes of playtime but expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the team's victory.

While Wembanyama, the rising 20-year-old sensation, had a relatively quiet scoring night with just five points in 26 minutes, he made a significant impact on the defensive end, grabbing 10 rebounds. Leading the charge for France were Yabusele and Cordinier, who delivered standout performances with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Canada struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. The team, which had previously won a bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup tournament, faced unexpected difficulties in their quest for gold. Dillon Brooks, Jamal Murray, and R.J. Barrett all had less-than-stellar showings, failing to lead their team to victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided a glimmer of hope for Canada, scoring a team-high 25 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome France's dominance.

Team France wasted no time asserting their control over the game, jumping to a commanding 23-10 lead in the first quarter. The Canadians, known for their suffocating defense, struggled to find their usual consistency on offense. Poor shooting percentages and turnovers hindered their progress, as France capitalized on their mistakes to extend their lead.

As the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, jubilation erupted within the French team and the passionate crowd of local fans. This victory propels France into the semifinals, where they will face Germany in their pursuit of a medal. It is worth noting that France has historically been successful in basketball, having secured a medal only three times in their 12 Olympic appearances. Their last medal came in 2020.

Canada, on the other hand, must regroup after this unexpected setback. Despite having a rich basketball history, they have only one men's basketball Olympic medal to their name, a silver attained back in 1936.

As the tournament continues, the world waits in anticipation to see if France can continue their impressive run and secure an Olympic medal once again.