In a thrilling encounter at the 2024 Olympics, Canada secured a decisive 93-83 victory over Australia in what many have dubbed the "Group of Death" match. This triumph not only places Canada at the top of Group A but also showcases their exceptional depth and strategic prowess.
Canada Shines, Led by RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett put on a masterclass, leading Canada with an impressive stat line of 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in just 25 minutes on the court. Coach Jordi Fernandez couldn't have been prouder, noting, "Sometimes plays aren't even called for him, yet he finds a way to score. He's that guy."
Complementing Barrett's stellar performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 16 points, along with three steals and two blocked shots. Canada's defensive pressure was evident throughout the game, particularly in the third quarter when they capitalized on Australia's mistakes.
Troubles for Australia
Despite a strong start, with Josh Giddey scoring 15 points by halftime, Australia faltered in the crucial moments. The team had a disastrous third quarter, committing nine turnovers, which Canada skillfully exploited, netting 28 points off turnovers compared to Australia's 10. Australia's coach, Brian Goorjian, acknowledged the issue, stating, "Even though we had depth in those spots, they wore us down physically, and we really had trouble getting into anything in the second half."
Jock Landale was a notable performer for Australia, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, along with four assists. However, the team's inability to maintain control in the latter stages of the game proved costly, as they were held to just 13 points in the fourth quarter by Canada’s relentless defense.
Spain's Victory Over Greece
In another gripping Group A match, Spain overcame Greece with an 84-77 victory. Santi Aldama emerged as the standout player for Spain, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks. He was ably supported by Sergio Llull, who chipped in 13 points, and Lorenzo Brown, who contributed seven points and 10 assists. Spain's coach, Sergio Scariolo, remarked, "We saved a crucial defensive strategy for the very end to exploit their pick-and-roll strength."
Despite Greece’s loss, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 27 points, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Vasilis Toliopoulos also made a significant impact off the bench, hitting 4-for-6 from deep in just 17 minutes of play.
Upcoming Matches
With Canada now leading Group A, the anticipation builds for their next match against Spain, scheduled for Friday at 11:15 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, Australia, who remains second in the group, will face Greece earlier on the same day at 7:30 a.m. ET. As the tournament progresses, the performances of top-tier players and strategic decisions by coaches will continue to captivate basketball fans, setting the stage for more electrifying moments.