Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett continued a strong start to the Olympic Games on Tuesday to lead Canada to a win over Australia at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.
Barrett produced a game-high 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both had 16 points in the 93-83 win. Thunder forward Lu Dort added 11 points.
The contest was close throughout the first three quarters, with the lead changing hands 13 times. Canada took a two-point advantage into the final frame and would outscore Australia 21-13 over the last 10 minutes to pull ahead for good and improve to 2-0 in the group phase.
Way to start the #Olympics! 💯
Canada 🇨🇦 keep their perfect record intact against Australia 🇦🇺, and grab a huge advantage for quarter-finals 🔥#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/z9RvfgQ3fP
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 30, 2024
Canada moved into first place in Group A with one game left to play in the preliminary round. Barring a collapse in its final game on Friday against Spain, the Canadians are all but guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals beginning on Aug. 6.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey led Australia with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Rockets forward Jock Landale scored 16 points and 12 rebounds and Dallas Mavericks guard Danté Exum had 15 points. Rockets forward Jack McVeigh added nine points.
After defeating Spain in its Olympic opener, Australia dropped to 1-1 in the group phase with its loss on Tuesday. The team is in second place in Group A heading into its last game of the opening round against Greece on Friday (7:30 a.m. EDT).
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