In a gripping conclusion to Group A play at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Canada clinched an 88-85 victory over Spain, finishing the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. This victory solidified Canada’s position as the only team to go undefeated in group play, setting them apart in the highly competitive “Group of Death.” The final game of Group A will see either Germany or France join Canada as the second team with an unbeaten record.
Match Summary
Final Score:
- Canada: 88
- Spain: 85
Quarter Scores:
- Q1: Canada 19 – 19 Spain
- Q2: Canada 30 – 19 Spain
- Q3: Canada 15 – 18 Spain
- Q4: Canada 24 – 29 Spain
Key Players and Performance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander topped the scoring charts for Canada with 20 points, shooting 5-for-11 from the field. In a nail-biting finish, he made one of two free throws, which allowed Sergio Llull to hit a 3-pointer and close the gap to just one point. However, Gilgeous-Alexander secured the win by sinking two more free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining. Llull’s attempt to win the game with a long shot at the buzzer fell short.
Andrew Nembhard also played a crucial role, contributing 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting. RJ Barrett added 16 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer with 39 seconds remaining. Spain’s Dario Brizuela scored all 17 of his points in the fourth quarter, but his efforts were not enough to secure a victory for his team.
Team Statistics
Shooting:
- Field Goals: Canada 32-61 (52.5%) | Spain 31-69 (44.9%)
- Three-Pointers: Canada 6-18 (33.3%) | Spain 10-36 (27.8%)
- Free Throws: Canada 18-25 (72.0%) | Spain 13-17 (76.5%)
Rebounding:
- Total: Canada 29 | Spain 40
- Offensive: Canada 8 | Spain 17
- Defensive: Canada 21 | Spain 23
Additional Stats:
- Assists: Canada 21 | Spain 21
- Steals: Canada 5 | Spain 4
- Blocks: Canada 0 | Spain 3
- Turnovers: Canada 9 | Spain 15
- Fouls: Canada 18 | Spain 20
- Technical Fouls: Canada 1 | Spain 2
- Flagrant Fouls: Canada 0 | Spain 0
Also Read-Greece Secures First Win at 2024 Paris Olympics with 77-71 Victory Over Australia
Group A Final Standings and Implications
With this win, Canada finishes at the top of Group A, while Spain’s loss eliminates them from the competition. Australia’s advancement to the quarterfinals is assured despite their loss to Greece, as the Canadian victory meant that Spain could not surpass Australia’s standing. Greece’s advancement hinges on Serbia’s result against South Sudan, needing a win by at least two points.
Earlier on Friday, Brazil defeated Japan 102-84, with Bruno Caboclo’s standout performance contributing significantly to their 1-2 record in Group B. This result, combined with Greece’s 77-71 win over Australia, determined the final placements and quarterfinal berths.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball tournament progresses towards the exciting quarterfinals.
