PARIS — The excitement was palpable at the Paris Olympics as Team France celebrated their hard-fought semifinal victory over Germany.

The players wandered the court in disbelief, hands on their heads, while the coaching staff embraced in a jubilant circle. Hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and a veteran player even took a victory lap in front of a crowd that simply refused to leave.

For Team France, this victory meant more than just a win; it was a golden opportunity to face Team USA in the Olympic basketball final on Saturday, right on the banks of the Seine. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime," remarked star player Victor Wembanyama, with coach Vincent Collet calling it "a dream" to compete in an Olympic final in Paris.

The road to this final, however, was anything but smooth. The French team faced internal struggles, with Evan Fournier publicly clashing with Collet over tactics and Wembanyama criticized for his lack of passing. In a surprising move, Collet overhauled the starting lineup, benching the legendary Rudy Gobert for almost the entire game against Canada. This risky strategy paid off, allowing France to narrowly make it to the medal round after a miraculous and controversial play against Japan.

But all those challenges now seem far behind. Team France, riding a wave of newfound energy and confidence, will meet a formidable opponent in Team USA, the reigning Olympic champions. The French team's recent victories over Canada and Germany have shown their resilience and adaptability, with Fournier stepping up in clutch moments.

As Team USA coach Steve Kerr noted, the crowd's energy has been electric, and it's expected to reach new heights in the final. This game is a rematch of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final, where the U.S. narrowly beat France 87-82. With a roster designed to counter France's strengths, including the addition of Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo, the Americans are preparing for an intense showdown.

France's strategy has evolved, shifting to a smaller, faster lineup that has brought a new level of physicality and defensive prowess. The energy from players like Guerschon Yabusele and Mathias Lessort has captivated the home crowd and will be crucial in the final.

Kerr acknowledges the challenge ahead: "We have to be prepared for that physicality and that force, and we have to not only match that but exceed that."

As these two basketball giants clashed, fans around the world, including our Lykkers, are in for an unforgettable game.