We could almost call them “The Robbers” as their fate suddenly changed in the last seconds of the fourth quarter in the last two games. After Rudy Gobert’s angry tap against the Turks, we will also remember this delight of drive made by Thomas Heurtel (20 points, 8 assists) to snatch the extension then leave Italy after a once again fierce fight.
“At the end of the game, our main attacking player, Evan Fournier, was on the bench for five fouls, so I took my responsibilities. People who know me know that I am not afraid of these moments. And I was lucky that it came in tonight”, he explained at a post-match press conference.
As Rudy Gobert mentioned after the meeting, however, the Blues did not feel the same even if the scenario of the last seconds was similar. In content, Thomas Heurtel and his teammates were more consistent, with an extension that was also better controlled.
“I think this match was different from the one against Turkey. Against Turkey, Cedi Osman missed his two free throws and today it was Simone Fontecchio who also missed his, it’s true, but I think today we showed more character. In overtime, we played great basketball, organized..
A precious creator
If Rudy Gobert was still very valuable, especially in freeing up space off the screen to allow Thomas Heurtel to score this equalizing lay-up, Vincent Collet wanted to congratulate his leader for his performance.
“He had a full game, and above all, seen from the bench, we were convinced that it was up to him to get the last balls and the creation, even before Evan took five fouls”said the coach. “We felt that it was he who had the upper hand. He knew how to use the “pick-and-roll” very well in the middle with Melli in front who was also hesitant, and didn’t really know if he could let go of Rudy or come on him. He created a gap several times to go finish, and put more shots. I was even afraid at one point that he would do a little too much, but he still knew how to alternate a few actions to make the others score. It’s really very positive for our team. Our team has less creativity than its predecessors. That of Thomas is precious to us”.
The hardest part is not yet done, but France is already guaranteed to play until the end of the tournament, with the possibility, in any case, of fighting for a medal (gold / silver or bronze) this Sunday .
“Our first objective was to play for a medal. Now that it’s done, the gold medal is on our minds”concluded Thomas Heurtel.
Before that, we will have to defeat Poland in the semi-finals this Friday, at 5:15 p.m.
