Canada's men's basketball team clinched a memorable victory against Greece in their Group A opener at the Paris Olympics, marking their first Olympic win since the 2000 Sydney Games. The Canadian squad showcased resilience and skill, pulling off an 86-79 win in a tightly contested match.
Dominant Performances Lead Canada
RJ Barrett led the charge for Canada, delivering an outstanding performance with 23 points. He was supported by the stellar contributions of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who added 21 points, and Dillon Brooks, who chipped in with 14 points.
The contest began with Canada establishing a strong lead, pushing Greece behind by as many as 16 points at one stage. Greece, however, refused to back down, making a spirited fightback. Giannis Antetokounmpo emerged as the game's leading scorer with a remarkable 34 points, doing his best to keep his team in contention.
Thrilling Final Minute
The final minute of the game was a nail-biter. Vasilis Toilopoulos managed to bring Greece closer, cutting Canada's lead down to four points with just over a minute left. A subsequent turnover by Canada allowed Antetokounmpo to thrill the crowd with a powerful dunk, narrowing the gap to 80-78.
With the game hanging in the balance, Gilgeous-Alexander proved his mettle by scoring with 42.8 seconds remaining, restoring Canada’s four-point advantage. This crucial basket provided the necessary buffer, allowing Canada to close out the game on their terms.
Fouls and Free Throws Galore
The match was intensely physical, underscored by a total of 52 fouls called throughout the game. Both teams made frequent trips to the free-throw line, with each side garnering 32 opportunities from the stripe. This level of physicality and the resulting stoppages led to a highly tactical and engrossing contest.
A Triumphant Return
Canada earned their spot in the Olympic tournament by securing a bronze medal at the World Cup held in the Philippines last summer. This victory against Greece signifies a bolstered confidence and momentum as they continue their Olympic campaign.
The Canadian team's triumph is a testament to their growth and resilience over the years. With standout performances and a team effort, they have established themselves as formidable contenders in this Olympics. As the tournament progresses, Canada will undoubtedly be a team to watch, armed with the confidence and determination from their long-awaited victory on the Olympic stage.