Canada continued its scorching begin to the Olympics with a 93-83 win over Australia on Tuesday. Canada is among the many favorites to win a gold medal in Paris and reaffirmed its credentials with a convincing efficiency towards a powerful Australian staff.
Listed below are three takeaways from Canada’s win.
1. Canada has every little thing
From high-level position gamers to real star expertise, the Canadian Nationwide Staff has every little thing. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top-10 participant on this planet and arguably the very best guard. If Canada can keep wholesome at some point of the match, it needs to be anticipated to be within the last, the place a silver or gold medal is assured.
Moreover, not like Staff USA, Canada has constructed this roster over a number of years. There’s a real staff chemistry on the roster. Everyone seems to be enjoying for a similar cause and pulling in the identical path. They are a pleasure to look at.
2. Australia is one star away
When watching Australia play, you possibly can’t assist however really feel like it’s one star away from being real contenders. Dyson Daniels offers it elite protection. Josh Giddey supplies high-level playmaking and rebounding with some secondary scoring. And Josh Inexperienced leads the position gamers by way of athleticism and flexibility.
Ben Simmons was as soon as considered because the star Australia wanted. Whereas that will nonetheless come to fruition, it is changing into clear that Australia is one piece wanting being a real menace for a gold medal at these Olympics, not less than in basketball.
3. Kelly Olynyk wants extra enjoying time
Olynyk noticed the ground for 4 minutes and 42 seconds. Whereas there is not any denying that Dwight Powell was extremely impactful all through the sport, Canada should discover a method to get its stretch-five into the motion.
When he is on the court docket, Olynyk stretches the protection in methods Powell cannot. Final season, Olynyk shot 38.7 p.c from the perimeter. With FIBA’s shorter three-point line, he could possibly be a professional weapon for Canada to lean on.
Because the match progresses and the extent of competitors continues to rise, enjoying Olynyk in a much bigger position ought to grow to be obligatory. He can area the ground, rebound and create for others on the perimeter. He’s the perfect match subsequent to Jamal Murray and Alexander.
