Two days after securing their first Olympic win in 24 years, Canada’s men’s basketball team firmly took control of Group A by defeating Australia 93-83 on Tuesday in Lille, France.
In a thrilling matchup against the 2020 Olympic bronze medalists, Canada gained the lead midway through the third quarter and sealed the game in the fourth.
Australia, known for their talent, depth, and speed, set the pace in the first half, but Canada’s shooting kept them in the game.
Australia’s been playing together for years, said Khem Birch post-game. “They’re a physical team, but we are also physical. We match their personality.”
Collectively, Canada improved significantly on offense compared to their game against Greece, shooting 51% from the field and 36% from beyond the three-point line.
On defense, Canada initially struggled to contain drives and secure rebounds. Led by 6-foot 8-inch guard Josh Giddey, Australia generated the looks they wanted, with Giddey scoring 15 points in the first half and Australia scoring 30 points in the paint.
In the second half, Canada forced 13 Australian turnovers and capitalized on transition opportunities.
A key moment came in the dying seconds of the third quarter when Josh Giddey held the ball for the last shot, but Lu Dort stole it and slammed home a breakaway dunk. However, Australia responded quickly with Jack McVeigh hitting a three-pointer to bring them within two points.
The game featured 13 lead changes and nine ties before the end of the third quarter. Canada needed a strong fourth quarter to secure the win.
Defensively, Canada was active in the passing lanes, forcing turnovers and tough shots. Offensively, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a contested mid-range jumper, and Birch scored a tough lay-up to create some separation.
Coach Jordi Fernandez called on Jamal Murray down the stretch. Despite his impressive NBA pedigree, Murray had struggled to find his rhythm with the team due to injury and uneven playing time. Late in the fourth quarter, Fernandez ran a half-court horns set that put Murray in the high-post with the smaller Patty Mills defending him. Out of this set, Murray generated an open three for RJ Barrett and nailed a tough mid-range jumper on consecutive possessions. Australia adjusted by switching the taller Giddey onto him, so Murray took Giddey off the dribble and dropped a bounce pass to Birch for a lay-up. Murray’s efforts pushed the lead to 11, and Canada did not look back, winning 93-83.
Australia managed just 16 points in the paint in the second half and shot only 4/13 from the field in the fourth quarter.
“We were just handling storms really well,” Murray said. “Our ability to adjust during the game and having personnel that can change the game is key for us.”
Barrett relentlessly drove and scored at the rim, finishing with a team-high 24 points. Gilgeous-Alexander was clinical in the mid-range, making eight of his 10 field goal attempts. Dillon Brooks played excellent perimeter defense and scored 16 points.
We got stops, we got rebounds, and consecutive stops. That’s the key in this game. If you get consecutive stops and you’re able to score on them, that’s when you make a run,” Brooks said.
Dubbed the Group of Death by commentators and fans, Canada stands at the top with a 2-0 record. If France and Germany both win their respective games today, Canada will clinch their spot in the quarterfinals.
They will secure first place in Group A with a win against Spain on Friday. Spain defeated Greece in a close contest earlier in the day, moving their record to 1-1.
Canada vs. Spain will tip off Friday at 11:15 a.m. EST, 5:15 PT.
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