In a tҺrilling matchup that lived up to the hype, Canada secured a hard-fought 93-83 victory over Australia, handing the Boomers their first loss of the Olympic tournament. The win propels Canada to a perfect 2-0 record in Group A.
The game was a back-and-forth affair with 13 lead changes and nine ties, showcasing the intensity and talent of both teams. However, Canada’s defensive prowess proved to be the difference-maker. They forced 18 Australian turnovers, leading to a decisive 28-10 advantage in points off turnovers.
RJ Barrett once again shone for Canada, continuing his impressive Olympic debut. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remаins the team’s undisputed star, Barrett’s consistent scoring and clutch performances have been invaluable. His stellar play is a testament to the family legacy, as his father was a key member of the Canadian team that reached the quarterfinals in the Sydney Olympics.
Canada’s оffensive firepower was on full display as well, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Gilgeous-Alexander was efficient with 16 points, while Dillon Brooks and Lu Dort added 16 and 11 points, respectively.
With this victory, Canada has solidified its position as a strong contender for a medal. Their next challenge will be against Greece, while Australia will look to rebound against Spain.