Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Team Canada over Greece

The Fighting Maple Leaves of Canada kicked off the Parisian Olympics strong on Saturday, winning their opening game over Giannis Antetokounmpo and Team Greece. Just like the USA, Canada features three former Kentucky stars on their roster, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Trey Lyles, and all three helped seal the victory for our buddies up north.

Canada held a comfortable lead most of the game, but a 10-0 Greece run late in the 4th quarter made it a two-point game with one minute left in the game. That’s when Team Canada gave the ball to Gilgous-Alexander and got out of the way.

SGA put his defender on ice with a ridiculous crossover leading to a smooth layup, and squashing Greece’s comeback attempt. On the next possession, Jamal Murray then hit two free throws to put the game out of reach, and for good measure, Trey Lyles grabbed the rebound of Greece’s final shot attempt.

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Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 21 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in his team’s win. Meanwhile, Murray (for some reason) came off the bench for Team Canada, and added eight points, three assists, and a steal. Lyles did not get into the scoring column but played solid defense and pulled down three boards.

The game was chippy throughout, as the the long-fought debate about which food is better, maple syrup or gyros heated up. On this occasion, however, pancakes’ best friend won the battle. Somewhere, Drake is happy.

Canada and Greece are in a group with Australia and Spain, arguably the toughest pool in the Olympics. SGA, Murry, and Lyles will suit back up for their home country against on Tuesday against the men from Down Under.