Rudy Gobert injured left finger but should be available for semifinal clash
In the last game against Canada, it was surprising not to see Rudy Gobert in the starting team for France. Apparently, the Minnesota star is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury to his left finger, and was able to compete in three minutes of his nation's victory in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.
France coach Vincent Collet decided to mix things up on Tuesday when he named Victor Wembanyama as his team's starter, in an exciting match between the two title contenders that resulted in the European team winning 82-73.
When the contest was over, reporters surrounded the Wolves big man with questions. Gobert told the media that there were “a lot of reasons why I didn't play,” but the biggest impact was that his left ring finger was still sore.
Draymond Green speaks in France benching Rudy Gobert
“To be left out of any other team's roster at the Olympics as an NBA player, not named Team USA is insane” 😬
(🎥 @TheVolumeSports )
– NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 7, 2024
Although he did not start in his country, he confirmed that he trusts the decisions of his coach. “I trust my teammates, coaches,” he told reporters in English. “The strategy worked if we look at the way we started the game. There were several reasons why I didn't play, between matchups but also what could happen in training, with injuries.
“It was a good decision in any case. Very good preparation from the coach. Thank you for being here today. I was on the operating table last night. To be able to play in the Olympic quarterfinals, it was amazing. [On his finger] It's nothing serious, that's all I can say. “
The former Defensive Player of the Year was seen wearing a finger splint after the game, and his head coach later revealed that even though Rudy underwent an MRI before the game, he was cleared to play. When Gobert was asked if he could compete against Germany in the semifinals, he said “yes.”
After the Germans defeated Greece, both European countries are ready to clash on Thursday. “We had a lot of time to think, prepare things, and the whole team was dedicated to preparing everything,” said Victor Wembanyama. “Now we have a good foundation to build on in the final stage of the tournament.”
The Canadian team praised the good start of their opponents as one of the reasons why they could not beat France in the quarterfinals.
According to NBA player Evan Fournier, who finished Tuesday's game with 15 points to his name, he feels the most determination among his teammates to bring home the gold medal. Although this player came off the bench, he confirmed that he has a good relationship with coach Collet.
“When you have guys with the same goal, who are competing and trying to win, it's pressure,” said Fournier after the tournament. “It's part of the game. … You just have to handle things like that. That's what we did there.”
As for the Canadians, who were expected to at least get a medal at the Olympic Games, they started the game slowly against France. Unfortunately, the North American squad will return home after 40 years without reaching the finals of four Olympics.
“Obviously the start put us in a hole,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led his nation with 27 points on Tuesday. “I think we won the rest of the game after the start. But when you start like that, it's difficult to play in any team.”
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