Rio Olympics: Jokic earns MVP as two Nuggets qualify
By Drew Albee
Lauvergne, France defeat Canada to qualify for Rio games
France outlasted Canada on Sunday, 84-73, thanks to outstanding games from French guards Nando de Colo and Tony Parker. Both de Colo and Parker scored more than 20 points helping France qualify for the Olympics once again.
Nuggets forward Joffrey Lauvergne struggled through foul trouble during the Final, only registering four points and three rebounds, while picking up four personal fouls in 17 minutes of action. Fortunately, France was able to qualify for the Olympics despite Lauvergne’s minimal contribution in the Final after his early jumper.
#FIBAOQT Lauvergne mid-range J but CAN answers with a trey. 4-3 FRA| Powered by @LiveSmart
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 10, 2016
Throughout the tournament, Lauvergne played pretty well for France. He managed 8.0 points and 3.2 rebounds during 16.2 minutes per game in Manila. And although France has NBA-level talent at each position in their starting five, it’s their talented backcourt that provided the majority of the offense that France needed to advance to Rio 2016.
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As veterans Parker and Boris Diaw prepare for their probable international swan song at Rio’s Olympics, the time is now for younger Frenchmen like Lauvergne need to step up and lead Les Bleus into the next generation of French basketball.
Nuggets fans around the world can continue to cheer on “King Joffrey” as France continues its quest, qualifying for the Olympics!
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Stay tuned to Nugg Love as Jokic and Lauvergne vie to bring a gold medal back to the Mile High City!