With 24 points at 8/14 shooting, including 5/10 at 3-pointers against Germany, Marine Johannes broke his record for points in the French team, which dated back to 2019 (23). In the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games!
3-point shots off the dribble, layups after a feint that mystified the opposing defender, mid-range shots on one foot… The French shooter did everything in the “Mannschaft” style, smiling a lot on the court after her successes. A sign that her feelings allowed her to try things that only she can achieve.
“It's easier for us when she scores points”, laughs Gabby Williams. “When she plays like that, she attracts the defenses and it opens up all the spaces for us. When we see a highlight reel from Marine, it gives us a lot of energy too. She focused on her defense this summer, she knows that's what it takes to win. When she plays on both sides of the court like that, she's one of the best players in the world!”
As with the Blues against Canada, the game plan was clear for Jean-Aimé Toupane's players against Germany: defend high and strong to exploit the opponent's weaknesses in the defensive retreat.
A fully accepted role of dynamite
“We felt like we could push” confirms Marine Johannès. “We saw their weaknesses, we knew we could insist on the (defensive) withdrawal. We announced a lot less systems, compared to usual, we wanted to play a lot of transitions. To stay in the rhythm, without announcements. We followed the instructions well.”
With the Lisieux native still in this role of “super sub”, second blade which comes after the defensive impact of the starting five, to dynamite the opposing teams. With great freedom.
“She accepted her role” concludes Jean-Aimé Toupane. “It's a long “process”. We met two or three years ago. We exchange. It hasn't always been easy in the context that you know. She's an intelligent girl, who understood the collective interest first. It's not a personal project. When she's at this level…”
Photo credit: FIBA
