Team Canada got off on the right foot in the first group stage game of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, surviving against a physically imposing Greece team 86-79. Although Canada got the job done, it was far from easy.
The game lived up to the proverbial hype as R.J. Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fended off a game-high 34-point performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo to preserve the victory.
Barrett and Gilgeous-Alexander came up big when it mattered most. They combined for 44 points and saw Gilgeous-Alexander score the eventual game-sealing layup with under a minute left in regulation. The game eventually had an exclamation mark put on it, thanks to a Barrett dunk in the final seconds.
Canada also saw consistent production elsewhere and shot 43 percent while never trailing in the contest, something it had struggled with in pre-Olympic competition.
“I like the start," head coach Jordi Fernández told Basketball.CA after the game. "We were very physical. Our ball pressure was really good. We were running and moving and obviously, great teams with a lot of experience like [Greece], they're going to punch back, and they did.”
A fast start from Team Canada must continue if it wants to build off momentum entering the knockout stage. Canada's next matchup is against Australia, who defeated Spain 92-80 in its opener on Saturday. Jock Landale led the way with 20 points.
WATCH: Canada vs. Australia on Fubo in U.S. and Canada
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Canada vs. Australia including TV channel, start times and streaming options for the early-morning tilt.
What channel is Canada vs. Australia basketball on today?
- TV channel: NBC (U.S.), CBC (Canada)
- Live stream: Fubo (U.S.), Peacock (U.S.), Fubo (Canada), CBC Gem (Canada)
Depending on location, there are various ways to watch Canada vs. Australia. Fans in the U.S. can watch the game on NBC and stream it on Peacock and Fubo. Fubo is currently offering a free trial for those interested.
In Canada, Fubo, CBC and CBC Gem handle TV and streaming.