Experiencing the Games - Part II - Follow My Heart

July 30, 2024 to August 9, 2024

Experiencing the Games - Part II

Basketball

I’ve been a sports fan almost as long as I can remember - back to the days my father took me to see the Memphis Chicks minor league games in the 1950s. Baseball was my first love and when we moved to LA in 1960 I became an avid fan of the Dodgers, whose roster included future Hall of Fame players such as Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider as well as my favorite player Maury Wills, the base-stealing king. I became a basketball fan during my graduate school days in Massachusetts and even managed to see Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics play on the parquet in the old Boston Garden.

My love of basketball continued over the years, reaching a crescendo during the years my nieces and nephew played college ball and in the NBA. Consequently, basketball topped the list of events I wanted to see during the Olympics. I ended up buying tickets for five games, in most instances not knowing who would play or where I would sit. But I lucked out and witnessed some of the most of the most thrilling basketball games of the Olympics.

Men's Preliminary Round: France vs Japan

The preliminary round of both Men's and Women's Basketball was held in Lille, about an hour from France on the TGV. I very much wanted to see the French team play in France and the preliminary round game against Japan was the only ticket available. The game started at 5:30 pm in Lille, so I went directly from my French language class to Gare de Nord where I joined a large line of excited basketball fans, both French and Japanese.

The excitement grew as I made my way to the stadium, stopping to get the tricolor French flag painted on my cheek. I was seated in the balcony, surrounded by Japanese fans who were very enthusiastic, despite the fact that France was heavily favored to win the game. However, the game was exceedingly close. France was never able to get a commanding lead, and time after time they let the scrappy Japanese team keep the score close. Each comeback by Japan was greeted with shrieks and chants of “Nippon, Nippon” while the French team was urged on with “Allez les bleus.” Shockingly, Japan was up 4 pt with 10.2 seconds left in the game, an upset victory seemingly assured. My seat mates were going wild, screaming loudly as France took the ball down the court for a last ditch shot from beyond the three point line. The ball went through the hoop and the shooter was fouled – giving him a chance for a 4 pt play. The French player made the free throw, the game was tied and France won in overtime. What a game!!!

It was easy to make friends with supporters of Les Blues

Three generations of fans with Phryges, the mascot of the Paris Olympics. Phyrges are the red caps worn by French revolutionaries when they stormed the Bastille prison in July 1789, kicking off the French Revolution

One of the many fans hoping for an upset victory by Japan

Me, I'm supporting Les Bleus, the team from France

Fans filing in to Stade Pierre Mauroy, the basketball venue on the outskirts of Lille, France

The French team warming up - #32 is Victor Wembanyama, the 7"4" Frenchman who was NBA Rookie of the Year this past season

Among the many fan activities was waving illuminated mobile phones

French player Matthew Strazel at the line to tie the game and send it into overtime

The fans are bathed in blue, white, and red lights in celebration of France's overtime victory

Women’s Quarterfinal Game: France vs Germany

It was a thrilling experience to be part of the home crowd during the France-Japan game in Lille, and I wanted more. Although I hadn’t originally planned to go to any women’s quarter-final matches, when a ticket for the women’s France-Germany game became available on the official Ticket Resale site I snatched it up. The game was in Paris, a short metro ride from my apartment. I arrived early for the game, joining the throngs waiting patiently for the doors to open. The crowd was bedecked in colors of their country, mostly blue, white and red but a also a large contingent of Germany supporters. And as I’ve often witnessed at women’s sporting events there were many women/parents with their daughters and/or sons in tow.

This time, my seat was in the lower section of the arena surrounded by French fans. France held the lead for much of the game, cheered on with chants, song and much flag waving. In the thick of it all, I actively participated in all the cheering, from the wave to chanting to jumping and arm waving. I’ve been to many college and NBA basketball games but nothing before had approached to energy and excitement of rooting for the home team during the Olympics.

Livia and Elodie - superfans of women's basketball

My seatmates came to support Les Bleues - with flags, leis, glasses and player jerseys

French team captain Michel Boury discusses out-of-bounds play with teammate Johannes

Action under the basket. Germany had a size advantage but the French quickness was a deciding factor in the outcome of the gaame

Two-point lay-up by French player Gabby Williams

Three pointer by Gabby Williams extends the French lead in the 4th quarter

Men’s Semifinal Game: France vs Germany

When a ticket to one of the two men’s semi-final games became available, I hesitated. The ticket was pricey, and unlike the two previous games I did not know who would be playing. According to prognosticators, the most likely teams to reach the semi-finals would be the USA, Canada, Germany, and Serbia - France had dropped out of the top four as a result of their inconsistent play during the preliminary round games. Thus, there was a 50:50 chance I could see the USA game, and in any case I would be able to watch some high-caliber basketball. So I pulled the trigger, and good fortune came my way.

As it turned out, France upset Canada in the quarter-finals and was scheduled to play Germany in one semi-final, with USA facing Serbia in the second semi-final. My ticket was for the France-Germany game, and though disappointed I would not see the USA men play I was excited for another chance to cheer on France. And I was completely blown away to find that my seat was in the fourth row, a few feet away from sports icons and rap stars but more importantly close to the action in a thrilling and very close match that came down to the final seconds. It’s difficult to describe the emotions and joy I experienced during the game, feelings perhaps only avid sports fans might recognize.

Rooting on Les Bleus from my "practically courtside" seat

Victor Wembanyama (Wemby) emerges from the tunnel during team introductions

Wemby goes up for a slam during warm-ups

The French team embrace and during their national anthem, La Marseillaise

Wemby and Rudy Gobert, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, singing La Marseillaise

France's Guerschon Yabusele goes up for a shot against German defender Boga

The crowd does the "The Wave" to cheer on the home team

USA assistant coach Tyrone Lue watches game from the tunnel

Wemby at free-throw line - France up 2 pt, with 10.9 seconds to go. He misses first shot, crowd chants "Wemby" and he sinks the second, putting France up by 3 pts

Wemby defends on inbound play by Germany

German player Dennis Schroder at free throw line with Germany down 3 pt. He misses the first, to the delight of the crowd, but sinks the second. France still up by 2 pt.

France player Isaia Cordinier ices the game with two free throws, France wins 73-69. Celebrations erupt

Women's Semi-Final Games: USA vs Australia; France vs Belgium

Back in May, the first tickets I purchased after deciding to stay in Paris for the Olympics were for the two women's semi-final basketball games. I really wanted to see the USA Women play and, though it was a near certainty they would make it to the finals, I hedged my bets and bought tickets to both semi-final games. The first game was USA vs Australia, handily won by USA. The play of the Americans was stellar, but the game lacked excitement. The USA dominated from the start and the crowd was subdued, with little flag waving and few chants of “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” or even "USA, USA". Nonetheless, I really enjoyed seeing the USA players in person – and marveled at how far the game and skill sets had advanced since I played D-3 basketball in college.

A side note: I had pretty good seats for both games, about half way up in the lower level. Unfortunately, my camera battery was dead – it was my new Canon compact zoom and the USB charger did not work properly. I include a few shots taken with my iPhone, but I sorely missed the power of the zoom.

Opening tip-off for the USA-Australia game

It was great to see the veteran #12 Diana Taurasi play in her 6th Olympics. USA player #15 is Brittany Griner, the former Russian hostage

The outcome of the game was never in doubt: USA wins 85-64

The raucous crowd was back in full force for the France vs Belgium game. France played well enough – their quickness and scrappy defense led to a large number of turnovers by the Belgium players. But Belgium was resilient and the lead changed hands several times in the second half, making for a very exciting game. France held a six-point lead with under a minute to go but Belgium fought back to tie the game with 8.2 seconds left. Overtime! Five bonus minutes of intense basketball with the French women surviving to win 81-75. Incroyable!

Teams line up for the playing of the National Anthems before the France-Belgium game

Another close game! Belgium came back from six points down to tie the game with less 8.2 seconds remaining. Overtime!!

A few last words

The Paris Olympics were magical, wrapping the beauty of the city with extraordinary feats of world-class athletes and an aura of excitement and optimism. The spirit of the games infected the entire city and country, uplifting the spirits of even the most curmudgeonly Parisian and bringing out the best in everyone, not just the athletes. I am so grateful that I was present - I loved it all!

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Rachael AndersonWhat an amazing experience you had during the Olympics! Your photos and narrative made me feel like I was there.
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3 months ago

Suzanne GibsonSuperb! I have never been much as a sports spectator, but your reporting was riveting. Exciting from beginning to end. Thanks! "Everyone watches Women's Sports"!
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3 months ago

Keith KleinHi,
I am just a little bit jealous of your time at the Olympics, but I’m sure glad you got to go. The basketball finals were thrilling, even though France lost both of them to the USA. Ah yes, my loyalties have changed in the 23 years since I immigrated! The women in particular had a better chance, but in the end the Americans bench strength and more disciplined play saw them through. It will be hard to beat the USA in Los Angeles in four years, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Les bleus (e) are back in the thick of it.
You are right about the mood of the country. It was refreshing to leave the political squabbling aside for two weeks and gather around our national team. We do feel a bit hung over after all the excitement, and frankly, after the Tour de France, the Olympics, and the women’s Tour, I at least feel supersaturated with sports. Speaking of the women’s Tour, it was astonishing to me to see Demi Vollering lose because of a total lack of team support at a critical moment. I’m glad for her that she’s leaving for a new team next year. Props to Kataryzna Niewiadoma for hanging on to win by four seconds, but Vollering was robbed.
Just had a comment from Sue. She got new hearing aids yesterday, and now she notices that I make crunching noises when I eat potato chips!
Waiting for the next installment, wherever you happen to be next.
Cheers,
Keith
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3 months ago

Kathleen JonesWhat a great time. I’m so glad you decided to stay in town for, as you said, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and im really glad we got get courtside reporting from you. Thanks!
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3 months ago

Susan CarpenterTo Rachael AndersonThanks Rachael - I had a few regrets not joining you and Scott in England but was so glad I made the decision to stay in Paris. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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3 months ago

Susan CarpenterTo Suzanne GibsonThank you Suzanne - I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.
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3 months ago

Susan CarpenterTo Keith KleinThanks Keith - so good to hear from you. The BB finals were indeed very exciting, both men's and women's. Tickets for the women's final were available up until the last few days before the game and I do have some regret not being there. It certainly seemed that France had the USA on the ropes and a bit scared. Certainly the US coach looked nervous! I also was a bit torn in my alligience, but I need a few more years in France to go all in for Les Les bleus vs USA.

I'm glad for your confirmation that the vibe in Paris had spread throughout the country. That was the impression I got from talking to folks who had journeyed to Paris for some of the events. There was a real sense of pride in the country for taking a bold step and succeeding, not just in the medal count but also in the entire vision for the Games. It's a hard act for LA to follow, but something to look forward to.
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3 months ago

Susan CarpenterTo Kathleen JonesThanks Kathleen - I'm glad you enjoyed to post.
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3 months ago

Carolyn van HoeveFantastic write up of your Olympics experience! What a special time to be there.
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3 months ago

Gregory GarceauI'm a huge sports fan too. Your Koufax, Drysdale and Wills, were my Jim Kaat, Zoilo Versalles, Mudcat Grant, Oliva and Killebrew. I still remember our homeroom teacher wheeling a TV set into the classroom so we could watch the 1965 World Series between the Dodgers and the Twins. The result wasn't so great for us Minnesota kids.

Your basketball action shots were great. France's Rudy Gobert is a Minnesota Timberwolf in real life--as you probably already know. We love his defensive skills here. Plus, he's a tough guy.

Thanks for being in France so you could post the last few exciting pages.
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3 months ago