Boston Celtics: Current and former Cs boost Team France in Olympics

While we’d love to sit here and complain about how Team USA has lost its first game in the Olympics since 2004 due to poor late-game execution, we’re going to take the healthier route and highlight the Boston Celtics-related triumphs of the shocking Team France upset.

First, we have to start with Evan Fournier. An unrestricted free agent this summer, Fournier boosted his value with a 28-point game masterpiece. It didn’t matter whether it was Draymond Green, Zach LaVine, or even his Boston Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum, Fournier got his from all over the floor. 16 of his game-high 28 points came in the second half, one that saw a 16-2 run for Team France to close the fourth quarter.

Elsewhere for the French national team, former Cs Guerschon Yabusele and Vincent Poirier showed out in supporting roles.

Yabusele was defending well and shooting with efficiency, showing an improved physique in the process. He had NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg pondering about a potential return to Beantown:

Given their interest in Nigel Hayes, perhaps Boston could register a level of interest in Yabusele as well.

Meanwhile, Poirier rebounded well and was aggressive for Team France, which was not a common sight during his one-year Boston Celtics stint. While the need for another big isn’t very pressing after the Kemba Walker deal brought Al Horford and Moses Brown to Boston, Poirier’s showing could be an audition for a team that may need a big body on the depth chart.

This wasn’t a good day for Team USA, but for American Celtics fans, it stung a little bit less seeing guys coached by Brad Stevens doing big things on the international stage.