Canada's men's basketball team returned to Olympic glory with a gritty 86-79 victory over Greece, marking their first win in the Games since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. This riveting match took place as the Paris Olympics began with Group A's fiercely competitive opener.
The Canadian squad, invigorated by strong individual performances, managed to fend off a relentless Greek team that featured NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who delivered a game-high 34 points. Despite Greece's spirited efforts, including a late surge that threatened to overturn Canada's lead, the Canadians held their ground and finished the game with a hard-earned win.
Standout Performances
RJ Barrett shone brightly for Canada, scoring 23 pivotal points and demonstrating his leadership on the court. Complementing Barrett's formidable effort was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who added 21 points and played a crucial role in the final moments of the game. Dillon Brooks also made a significant contribution, chipping in with 14 points.
Throughout the match, Canada maintained a steady lead, at one point stretching their advantage to 16 points. However, as the game neared its conclusion, Greece mounted a comeback that had the Canadians on edge.
Late-Game Tension
Vasilis Toilopoulos hit a critical shot, inching Greece closer and narrowing Canada's lead to just four points with a little over a minute remaining. A subsequent turnover by Canada provided Antetokounmpo with an opportunity he did not miss, as he executed a powerful dunk to bring Greece within two points, 80-78.
In these tense final moments, Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up for Canada. With 42.8 seconds left on the clock, he scored a crucial basket to restore a four-point cushion for his team. This critical play, combined with solid defensive efforts, ultimately secured Canada's victory.
Physicality and Foul Trouble
The game was marked by its physical intensity, with referees calling a total of 52 fouls. Both teams frequented the free-throw line, each receiving 32 opportunities to score from the charity stripe. This high number of fouls underscores the fiercely contested nature of the match and the determination exhibited by both squads.
Canada's journey to the Paris Olympics was paved with success, as they earned their spot by clinching a bronze medal at the World Cup in the Philippines last summer. The experience and momentum gained from that tournament undoubtedly played a role in their composed and confident performance against Greece.
As Canada looks ahead in Group A, they can take pride in their historic victory and the strong foundation it sets for the rest of the Olympic competition. This triumph, fueled by individual brilliance and collective resilience, reaffirms Canada's place on the international basketball stage.
The win against Greece not only breaks a two-decade Olympic drought for Canada but also serves as a testament to the growth and potential of Canadian basketball. With players like Barrett, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Brooks at the helm, Canada is positioned to be a formidable contender in this year's Olympics.