Basketball conspiracy rocks Paris Olympics after France defeat Japan

Basketball fans have been seeing red with conspiracy theories erupting that the Paris Olympics are being rigged by officials.

Fans have called out the Games as being rigged for France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The conspiracy theorists are out in full force at the Paris Olympics with basketball in the crosshairs.

On Wednesday (AEST) France toppled Japan in their second Group B contest, claiming the points with a 94-90 overtime win.

France’s victory however has come shrouded in controversy with basketball fans the world over blowing up at several questionable whistles.

It’s led many to speculate that favourable calls were made during the match to ensure France didn’t suffer a shock loss at their home Games.

There was no bigger call than the one that came with only 10 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter with France down by four points.

After a disjointed play, the ball ended up in the hands of Matthew Strazel who pump-faked one defender before draining an off-balance three while drawing a foul.

He calmly walked to the line and slotted the free throw to tie things up and send the contest into overtime where France would prevail behind star Victor Wembanyama.

France got it done … just. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP)

But it was the foul call on the game-tying four point play that left fans seeing red with many believing the Games are being rigged to ensure France get the wins.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons wrote on X: “Ha ha France is getting the craziest home-cooking basketball officiating in recent memory.”

Sports writer Michael Griffith wrote: “One of the worst calls I’ve ever seen in basketball just screwed Japan out of beating France.”

Another irate hoops fan wrote: “France ‘conveniently’ gets a 4PT play when no one touches the shooter down 4 when the game was over. Japan got robbed. Simple as that.”

Not sure where the foul is here. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

That was far from the only questionable call however with Japan star Rui Hachimura given his marching orders with a little under nine minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

Hachimura was ejected after receiving two rather soft unsportsmanlike fouls.

The first came when he bumped a French player who was driving to the hoop while the second came after he grabbed Rudy Gobert’s arm, stopping him from going up for an easy dunk.

Shortly before being ejected Hachimura had 24 points on 10-16 shooting with his play on both ends keeping his nation in the fight.

As replays of the second foul rolled, fans were left incredulous that he had been ejected from the match.

Legion Hoops wrote on X: “They just ejected Rui Hachimura in the Olympics against France over one of the softest unsportsmanlike calls you’ll ever see. Horrible.”

Dev Green added: “There needs to be an inquiry into the refs for this France vs Japan game. The Hachimura ejection for a normal foul is wild. Then the 4 point play at the end of the game? Refs really making sure the home team doesn’t flame out.”

This shouldn’t be ejection worthy.

As the conspiracy theorists unleashed on social media, France soaked up their second straight win and will now turn their attention to a top of the table clash against Germany.

Wembanyama was once again the key for the French outfit as he poured in eight of his 18 points in overtime.

The 20-year-old left jaws on the floor during the contest with an image of him alongside Japan’s Yuki Togashi going viral.

Wembanyama stands at an absurd 224cm while Togashi is a minuscule 163cm.

Victor Wembanyama (7’4”) vs. Yuki Togashi (5'4") 😳

(via @BenGolliver) pic.twitter.com/4ibFDDPOiD

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 30, 2024

While it was joyous scenes for France, it wasn’t to be for the Boomers as they fell 93-83 against Canada.

The Aussies led 49-45 at half time, but gave the ball away too many times in the second half as Canada seized control.

It was NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that proved too much for the Boomers to handle. He finished with 16 points while RJ Barrett put up 24 points. Josh Giddey led Australia with 19 points after a blockbuster first half where he scored 15 points.

The result means Australia must now beat Greece – and NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo – to progress through to the quarter-finals when they face off on Friday night (AEST).