Canada’s males’s basketball crew seems to be rounding into kind simply eight days earlier than its first recreation on the 2024 Summer time Olympics in Paris.
The Canadians defeated France 85-73 of their second Olympic tune-up recreation on Friday in Blois, France.
Canada misplaced its first exhibition recreation to LeBron James, Steph Curry and the high-powered Individuals final week in Las Vegas.
However on Friday towards France, the No. 9-ranked nation on the planet, the No. 7-ranked Canadians confirmed why they’re one of many favourites to contend for a podium spot in Paris.
Led by star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who completed with a game-high 23 factors, Canada sprinted out to a 25-19 lead after the primary quarter.
The Canadians would maintain on to the lead for the remainder of the sport, however not with out some pushback from the French.
Each time the Canadians constructed a considerable lead the French — with reigning NBA rookie of the 12 months Victor Wembanyama and defensive participant Rudy Gobert on their roster — would battle their manner again and shut the hole.
That was till the fourth quarter, when the Canadians actually confirmed their metallic by pushing the result in double digits to ultimately win by 12.
Toronto Raptors ahead RJ Barrett additionally had an ideal day for the Canadians, ending as the sport’s second-leading scorer with 21 factors.
Guerschon Yabusele, often called “The Dancing Bear,” led France in scoring with a team-high 19 factors.
Canadian guard Jamal Murray was held out of the sport for relaxation. Canada Basketball mentioned on social media that the transfer was precautionary.
The Canadians will play yet one more tune-up recreation towards Puerto Rico on Sunday earlier than they start their Olympic pool play on July 27 towards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
Canada’s males’s basketball crew shall be making its first Olympic look since ending seventh on the 2000 Sydney Video games. The Olympic basketball competitors will happen July 27 to Aug. 11.
