Canada cemented a significant milestone in its basketball history with a hard-fought 86-79 victory over Greece in the Paris Olympics opener for Group A. This win ends a long wait since their last Olympic triumph at the 2000 Sydney Games.
The Canadians showed resilience and skill throughout the match, with RJ Barrett leading the charge by netting an impressive 23 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also made his presence felt, contributing 21 points, while Dillon Brooks added 14 points to the scoreboard, further solidifying Canada's competitive edge.
Strong Start and Persistent Pressure
From the outset, Canada established a commanding presence, at one point extending their lead to as many as 16 points. Despite this, Greece remained tenacious, refusing to let Canada run away with the game. Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led all scorers with 34 points, was instrumental in keeping his team within striking distance.
The game took a pivotal turn late in the fourth quarter. With just over a minute left, Greece found themselves trailing by four points, following a crucial play by Vasilis Toilopoulos. The intensity in the arena rose sharply when a turnover by Canada allowed Antetokounmpo to slam a powerful dunk, bringing his team within two points at 80-78.
Clutch Performances Down the Stretch
Despite the mounting pressure, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his composure by scoring with 42.8 seconds left on the clock, restoring Canada’s four-point cushion. This decisive play ultimately secured the victory for Canada, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic basketball stage.
The game's flow was frequently interrupted by calls from the referees, as a total of 52 fouls were recorded. Both teams were frequently sent to the free-throw line, each having 32 opportunities from the charity stripe, highlighting the physical nature of the contest.
Qualification Journey
Canada's journey to the Olympic tournament was cemented by their strong performance at the World Cup in the Philippines last summer, where they clinched a bronze medal. This achievement not only boosted their confidence but also demonstrated their capability to compete against the world’s best on the international stage.
This victory against Greece not only breaks a 23-year Olympic drought but also sets a strong tone for the Canadian team's aspirations at the Paris Olympics. With key players like Barrett and Gilgeous-Alexander stepping up, Canada has shown that they are ready to compete and aim for higher honors in the tournament.
As the games progress, the experience gained from this intense opening match will undoubtedly be invaluable for the Canadian squad. The blend of skilled veterans and dynamic young players is shaping up to be a potent formula for success on the global stage.