The Canadian national team has won its first game at the 2024 Olympic men’s basketball tournament. On Saturday, Canada beat Greece 86-79.
Three Canadians scored in double figures. It was an exceptional game for Toronto Raptors shooting guard RJ Barrett of Toronto, Ontario. Barrett led Team Canada with 23 points. He made eight of 13 field goals, all six free throws and one of four attempts from beyond the three-point line. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Toronto scored 21 points and Houston Rockets small forward and defensive specialist Dillon Brooks of Mississauga, Ontario scored 14 points. Raptors center Kelly Olynyk of Toronto led Canada with six assists and Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with seven assists.
Canada won despite significant foul trouble. Brooks, small forward Luguentz Dort and center Dwight Powell all did not finish the game because they committed fouls.
Canada can be proud of having Greece’s supporting cast on the team. Yes, Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks scored 34 points. However, the other seven Greek players in the game scored a total of 45 points.
Canada next faces Australia on Tuesday. Australia won its opening game 92-80 against Spain. Houston Rockets center Jock Landale, of Melbourne, led Australia with 20 points.
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