In their first game at Paris 2024 Olympics, the Canadian men’s basketball team beat Greece 86–79, ending a long wait for them to play in an Olympic game again. This is Canada’s first Olympics since the Sydney Games in 2000, which makes the win even more significant.
Match Highlights
Canada got off to a quick 6-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a layup by RJ Barrett and a string of step-back jump shots from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Canada was ahead 26–22 at the end of the first quarter. Canada’s lead grew to 48–38 at halftime in the second quarter, with Gilgeous–Alexander and Barrett continuing to lead the scoring.
Early in the third quarter, Dillon Brooks finished an 8-2 run, putting Canada ahead 56–40. This was their biggest lead. Canada kept their lead even though Greece kept trying, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 34 points to lead the way. Antetokounmpo was always a threat because he was strong and quick, but Canada’s defense held strong. 
Match Statistics
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 21 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
- RJ Barrett: 23 points
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 34 points, 11-of-17 shooting, 12-of-16 free throws
- Dillon Brooks: 13 points
- Jamal Murray: 8 points, clutch free throws
Key Performers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer for Canada. The star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder showed off his skills, especially at key times in the fourth quarter. He finished their opening match of Paris 2024 with 21 points, seven assists, five boards, two blocks, and a steal, all of which were very important in the win.
- RJ Barrett was also very important; he scored 23 points, which was the most Canadian player to score in Paris in 2024. He was aggressive right away, making Canada’s first basket 32 seconds into the game, and he kept up his form the whole time.
Clutch Moments in the Fourth Quarter
Greece cut Canada’s 12-point lead to just two points with 1:04 left in the fourth quarter, which put their grit to the test. Trey Lyles was stripped at center, which led to an Antetokounmpo transition dunk that was very important to Greece’s run.
But Gilgeous-Alexander did what had to be done when it meant most. He broke up a double team by dribbling the ball skillfully and then drained a high-arching jumper over Antetokounmpo, giving Canada a much-needed lead.
James Murray came off the bench late in the game and scored eight points, including two crucial free throws that sealed the win. Barrett’s buzzer-beating slam dunk and his play ensured that Canada ended in their first match of Paris 2024 on a good note.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Canada is now 1-0 in Group A. Australia is also 1-0 after beating Spain 92–80. Canada’s next game, on Tuesday against fifth-ranked Australia, will be very important for their hopes of making it to the quarterfinals of Paris 2024.
Canada’s head coach, Jordi Fernandez, was proud of how his team did and talked about how special it is to be in the Olympics. Now that the feelings of the first game are over, they need to keep up their form and make sure they make it to the next round.
Final Thoughts
If you look at Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics and the team’s overall success, you can see why Canada’s return to the Olympics has been nothing less than spectacular. As they get ready for their next task, the way the team works together and how smart each person is gives them hope for a good run in Paris 2024.
Next Game:
Canada vs. Australia on Tuesday, Paris 2024, during Group A play.
With this win, Canada has set itself up well for the Paris 2024 Olympics. They hope to build on this success and make it to the finals.
