Joel Embiid could be a massive problem for France in gold-medal game

Struggling at times during the 2024 Olympics, Joel Embiid stepped up Thursday against Serbia, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block in Team USA's 95-91 come-from-behind victory . But, against France in the gold-medal game, he may be a matchup nightmare.

France boasts several formidable big men, led by Victor Wembanyama, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Regardless, if Embiid goes toe-to-toe with either, he'll likely play confidently, considering his history against the pair.

Embiid has a tiny sample size against Wembanyama — only one game — but oh, what a game it was. When the two met in January for the first time, Embiid scored a career-high 70 points while adding 18 rebounds in a 133-123 Sixers win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Conversely, Embiid has had Gobert's number when the two have met. In 10 games against Gobert, he's averaging a double-double , recording 28.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, per Stathead.

In more bad news for France, Embiid has used Gobert as motivation in the past, especially when Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey hinted that he was afraid of the matchup . After dropping 40 points and 19 rebounds on the big man against the Utah Jazz during the 2020-21 season, Embiid told reporters , "It looks like I was very, very scared of him."

Wembanyama hasn't had to carry his fellow countrymen, but he has been impactful. He posted 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks in France's 73-69 win over Germany to clinch a spot in the gold-medal game.

Gobert has been disappointing for France, seeing his usage drop to only five minutes Thursday against Germany. Yet, depending on who you believe, his role has diminished down the stretch either because of recent finger surgery or ineffectiveness.

Meanwhile, Embiid seems to be hitting his stride at the right time. Although he's already one of the top players in the game, a motivated Embiid might be the most dangerous version.

Following his performance on Thursday, he looked as driven as ever, reveling in the boos that rained down on him from the French crowd, Ahead of Saturday's gold-medal game, that might be an inauspicious sign for the country he once called home.