Being in the right place at the right time might seem like luck to some. Others prefer not to rely on chance, believing that hard work or destiny, like a fair judge, guides the fortunate to their varying fates.

As the French philosopher Voltaire remarked in the 18th century, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” While the French could be considered fortunate, they are more accurately described as rewarded for their extreme efforts that have led them to compete for gold.

Facing them is the mighty United States, boasting a nearly 97% win rate in their Olympic history (148-6). Their last defeat was in the previous edition, ending a 12-year unbeaten streak, and it was against... France, indeed. Note that the extraterrestrial Wembanyama was not yet part of that Tokyo 2020 squad.

The hosts have returned to the final for the second consecutive Games after causing a surprise by defeating Germany with a close score of 73-69 scoreline. Les Bleus have secured a medal, and now they can only dream of a reality that, in the eyes of basketball fans, seems like an actual utopia.

France arrived at the Olympic event with a 0-4 record in their preparatory tour. Unfazed, as if endowed with prophetic vision, Wembanyama confidently declared in the press after their last loss to Australia.

“I’m not worried; we will be prepared," he said. The outlook was grim, except for him, as among the chosen, there is always the ability to transform clay into golden elixir. And in this process, Wembanyama is at the decisive stage.

The United States can boast of a perfect winning record since the start of the Olympic event in Lille. No team has overshadowed them, well, almost. In the recent semi-finals, Jokic and Bogdanovic's Serbia had the 'Dream Team' on the ropes for 35 minutes. Especially, thanks to a rain of three-point shots and a very nice choral game under the orders of the veteran wise coach, Svetislav Pesic. 

Though LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the mentors of this generation, put an end to it and closed the game with a narrow victory of just four points, 95-91. A game that is already remembered as one of the best ever seen in the history of the Games.

France, on the other hand, suffered a harsh setback against Germany in the group stage with a score of 71-85. Though that wake-up call spurred them on. After advancing smoothly from Group B, the hosts unexpectedly swept Germany and Canada, two podium contenders.

Collet's team redeemed themselves, even though Wembanyama's performance was especially disappointing in the last two rounds. Poor shooting percentages (6 of 27 from the field and 5 turnovers in the quarterfinals and semifinals). 

Despite Wembanyama's aura rising above a rough patch, credit must be given to the trio of unsung heroes who saved the day against Canada and Germany: Isaïa Cordinier (averaging 18 points), Guerschon Yabusele (19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds), and Mathias Lessort (11.5 points and 5 rebounds).

France has never won Olympic gold in basketball, settling for silver three times: in 1948, 2000, and the latest edition in Tokyo 2020. Once again, they are 40 minutes away from the coveted crown, now with Wembanyama as the flagship of their hopes.

“This is a chance to make even more history,” began Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and star of the San Antonio Spurs. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime goal. Maybe no one can repeat it, so we have to seize it,” he declared optimistically as a leader.

In a moment consumed by patriotism and fan support, Wembanyama let his emotions flow: “The national team, this jersey gives us that unique energy that we don’t find anywhere else, and we can see it, how intense we have been in the last two games. It’s something we all feel,” concluded the Les Bleus star.