Canadian Men pull out huge win against Australia to top Group A

In a 10-point victory, 93-83, against a strong Australian team, Canada’s path to the quarter final becomes clear.

With Canada’s win against Greece to open their Olympic group play, they came into their second game against Australia with a goal of rising to top Group A. A tough group with Australia, Greece, and Spain joining Canada, every point matters in an attempt to make it to the knockout stage.

Canada and Australia each had a 1-0 record going into this game, as Australia beat Spain on the first day of action. Both teams were itching to continue an undefeated streak, and Australia had the chance to clinch a quarter final spot with a win against Canada.

With two teams filled with NBA talent, they were pretty evenly matched. Canada obviously has the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett leading them, with Dillon Brooks and Lu Dort’s defence power assisting. Australia on the other hand has Josh Giddey and long-time veteran and FIBA master Patty Mills on their roster.

It was virtually a must-win for both sides, each team hoping with the easier path to the next round that would come with the victory. It was a close game throughout, but Canada’s power came through in the fourth to push past the Boomers.

Scary start, great finish for Canadians

A win is a win, but this game wasn’t exactly smooth sailing all the way through. Right off the tip, Canada got into some serious foul trouble when Gilgeous-Alexander picked up two fouls less than two minutes into the first quarter. He ended up sitting on the bench for most of the first half, but recovered well after.

It was a close game until Canada pulled away with mere minutes left in the final quarter. The lead changed 10 times in the first half alone, and Australia went into the halftime break up four points.

While SGA had to sit and recover from those early fouls, it was RJ Barrett who stepped up for the team. Barrett led all scorers with 24 points, adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists to his stat line and showing off his impressive ability to get the ball in the basket. Like he has shown on the Raptors since being traded to Toronto, Barrett loves to drive to the basket, and his crafty finishing ability was often too much for Australia. He went to the line six times, making five of those baskets. His shooting was impressive as well, as he went 3-6 from three-point range and 8-14 from the field.

SGA had 16 points himself, with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting an impressive 8-10 from the field. The way he operates in the midrange (and everywhere, honestly) seems like it’s SO easy — his body moves in incredible ways. It’s so hard to defend him because he makes the defender think he’s going to do one thing and then at the last second, completely changes the trajectory of his body and does something different.

Dillon Brooks also had a big night for Canada, scoring 16 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. He shot 5-9 from the field, and 2-3 from distance, while also defending the Australian team and frustrating them into a fourth-quarter cold stretch.

It was during this cold drought that Canada sealed the deal, pushing out to a 10+ point lead and holding until the end — winning 93-83.

So close to the knockout round...

While Canada has not officially clinched their spot in the knockout round, they are in a great position to do so. They now lead Group A with 4 points, and a +17 point differential — after is Australia and Spain with 3 points each, but Australia is +2 in points while Spain is -5. Greece is hanging out at the bottom with 2 points and a -14 point differential, but are not out of contention just yet.

Canada can clinch a spot in the quarterfinals today if France beats Japan AND Germany beats Brazil. Canada will also clinch by winning against Spain in their next game.

Basically, this win means Canada is in an excellent place to progress out of the group stage. Not only that, but they showed resilience, defensive power, and ability to close out against tough opponents against Australia.

It’s safe to say Canada is a heavy hitter in this tournament. They’ve proven their ability to win against big teams like Greece with Giannis and Australia, who won a medal in Tokyo.

Their next match will be against a tough Spain team. They’ll have three full days off to rest and practice before that match though, which will be helpful after a physical and exhausting game against Australia.

For now, Canadians can take a sigh of relief knowing the men’s team is that much closer to progressing.

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Up Next for Canada Basketball:

Women’s 3x3: July 30th at 12pm vs Australia

Women’s 5x5: August 1st at 7:30am vs Australia

Men’s 5x5: August 2nd at 11:15am vs Spain