Batum on his game-saving block: 'I had to make a play like that' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Nicolas Batum saved France's Olympic hopes with a crucial last-moment block against Klemen Prepelic to help his team advance to the final. After the game, Batum talked about the last play and his Olympic dream.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Nando De Colo Points 25 Accuracy 8-17 Rebounds 7 Assists 5

"I had to make a play like that. I have been in the Olympics twice and I have been hurt twice. I have dreamed of playing in the Final my whole life. I discovered the Olympics in 1996. I watched the Dream Team and it was after that I followed the NBA. I always dreamed of playing in this type of game. I knew that I didn't have a good game on offense, but I had to make this play for my team to take them to the Final, and I did it."

Evan Fournier was another major key to France's success in the semi-final. He scored 23 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished three assists in the victory. Fournier praised Batum's heroics but noted, that the job is not done: "Nico did his Batman things at the end of the game. Of course, we are happy, but we need to focus because we came here to win the gold medal."

Nando De Colo, who had a game-high 25 points said the team is lucky to have a player like Batum: "We just tried to stay together. We did some mistakes and made tough shots. The last play was to be careful on the help and to control the one on ones. We got lucky that Batum was on the guard because even if you get beat we know he is capable of doing what he did."

France will face the USA in the Olympic final on Saturday. France had already beaten the Americans on the group stage. They have also eliminated Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

"We know Team USA is the favorite of this Final as they have been favorite for the last couple of games. I hope we can play against them with the same fire and energy. We will try even if we know they are the favorite," France's head coach Vincent Collet previewed the finals.

The final tip-off is scheduled at 05:30 EEST.

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