PARIS (France) - There was never any doubt that if France landed on the podium at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024, then Marine Johannes and Gabby Williams would be the main architects.
Now just one win away from doing exactly this in the wake of their 84-71 Quarter-Finals success against Germany, Williams and Johannes have lifted the lid on their dynamic connection.
Marine Johannes posted a new personal-high with France 24 points (5 threes) and was the top scorer of the game. Germany had no answer for her one-on-one step-back threes, and every time she came off the bench, France's lead grew quickly.
In fact, no other French player has had multiple games with 5+ made shots from behind the arc in the history of the competition. Meanwhile by scoring those 24 points, she also moved to the third spot of all-time amongst all French players - her 161 total points only trailing Sandrine Gruda with 232 and Endene Miyem with 203.
"She’s creative, magic, entertaining and fun," said Williams about Johannes.
Her kind of game is unstoppable - Gabby on Marine
"Her kind of game is unstoppable. You can't do anything: you can't scout her. It's something more than anyone else has on this tournament.
"I think we play the game similar and we both have a lot of experience and a high knowledge of the games.
"It makes it easier to find each other. I also think we have games that complement each other. I like to drive and she likes to shoot. When I drive and kick she is always there and it helps with our spacing."
Meanwhile Johannes returns the assist and says of Williams. "It’s been great. I think everyone is happy having her on the team and playing with her has been a great experience.
Gabby Williams was once again a leader for Les Bleues in every aspect of the game, with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
"She is really fast, powerful and also fun. She is a great player and one of the best in the world. "
I think she's unstoppable - Marine on Gabby
"She's a super complete player, we know that. When she plays with that confidence, I think she's unstoppable. She brings us a lot on both ends of the pitch.
"She helps me a lot and we have a great connection. We have a lot of fun playing together."
You'd be forgiven for thinking it's the perfect French connection. But the pair have also admitted there can sometimes be the occasional malfunction and sometimes things can annoy the other.
"Like when she doesn’t use screens well," declares Williams as both players laugh.
"Yes, sometimes she gets mad with me," confesses Johannes.
Now that France are one step away from matching their best ever finish at the Games with a first Final since London 2012, Johannes and Williams will be in the running to receive prestigious individual recognition.
But who is most likely to be crowned MVP?
In response, they point at each other in perfect unison and shout each other's names. Then they burst out laughing.
The unity and respect is absolutely huge between both ballers and in that brief moment, you see why they vibe on the court as well as off it.
Johannes and Williams will line up alongside their French teammates to face Belgium in Friday's Semi-Final.
FIBA