Canada continued its sizzling 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 workforce.
Listed here are three takeaways from Canada’s win.
1. Canada has every part
From high-level position gamers to real star expertise, the Canadian Nationwide Crew has every part. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top-10 participant on the planet and arguably the very best guard. If Canada can keep wholesome all through the match, it ought to be anticipated to be within the closing, the place a silver or gold medal is assured.
Moreover, not like Crew USA, Canada has constructed this roster over a number of years. There’s a real team chemistry on the roster. Everyone seems to be enjoying for a similar purpose and pulling in the identical course. They seem to be a pleasure to observe.
2. Australia is one star away
When watching Australia play, you’ll be able to’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 when it comes to athleticism and flexibility.
Ben Simmons was as soon as seen because the star Australia wanted. Whereas which will nonetheless come to fruition, it is changing into clear that Australia is one piece in need of being a real risk for a gold medal at these Olympics, a minimum of in basketball.
3. Kelly Olynyk wants extra enjoying time
Olynyk noticed the ground for 4 minutes and 42 seconds. Whereas there isn’t any denying that Dwight Powell was extremely impactful all through the sport, Canada should discover a approach to get its stretch-five into the motion.
When he is on the courtroom, Olynyk stretches the protection in methods Powell cannot. Final season, Olynyk shot 38.7 % from the perimeter. With FIBA’s shorter three-point line, he could possibly be a reliable 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 turn into necessary. He can house the ground, rebound and create for others on the perimeter. He’s the best match subsequent to Jamal Murray and Alexander.