Canada’s men’s basketball team appears to be rounding into form just eight days before its first game at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Canadians defeated France 85-73 in their second Olympic tune-up game on Friday in Blois, France.
Canada lost its first exhibition game to LeBron James, Steph Curry and the high-powered Americans last week in Las Vegas.
But on Friday against France, the No. 9-ranked country in the world, the No. 7-ranked Canadians showed why they are one of the favourites to contend for a podium spot in Paris.
Led by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with a game-high 23 points, Canada sprinted out to a 25-19 lead after the first quarter.
The Canadians would hold on to the lead for the rest of the game, but not without some pushback from the French.
Every time the Canadians built a substantial lead the French — with reigning NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama and defensive player Rudy Gobert on their roster — would fight their way back and close the gap.
That was until the fourth quarter, when the Canadians really showed their metal by pushing the lead to double digits to eventually win by 12.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett also had a great day for the Canadians, finishing as the game’s second-leading scorer with 21 points.
Guerschon Yabusele, known as “The Dancing Bear,” led France in scoring with a team-high 19 points.
Canadian guard Jamal Murray was held out of the game for rest. Canada Basketball said on social media that the move was precautionary.
The Canadians will play one more tune-up game against Puerto Rico on Sunday before they begin their Olympic pool play on July 27 against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
Canada’s men’s basketball team will be making its first Olympic appearance since finishing seventh at the 2000 Sydney Games. The Olympic basketball competition will take place July 27 to Aug. 11.
In a thrilling Olympic tune-up game, the Canadian men’s basketball team defeated France in a closely contested match led by star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The game, which took place in Victoria, British Columbia, showcased the talent and potential of the Canadian team as they prepare for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA, put on a masterful performance, scoring a game-high 25 points and dishing out 8 assists. His leadership on the court was instrumental in guiding the Canadian team to victory over a tough French squad.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense throughout. However, it was Canada’s depth and skill that ultimately proved to be the difference maker. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, players such as Andrew Wiggins, RJ Barrett, and Dwight Powell all made significant contributions to the team’s success.
The win over France is a positive sign for the Canadian men’s basketball team as they look to make a statement at the upcoming Olympics. With a roster filled with talented NBA players and led by head coach Nick Nurse, who also coaches the Toronto Raptors, Canada has high hopes of competing with the best teams in the world.
The victory over France serves as a confidence booster for the Canadian team as they continue their preparations for the Olympics. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, Canada will look to build on this momentum and make a strong showing in Tokyo. Fans of Canadian basketball have plenty to be excited about as their team gears up for the biggest stage in international competition.