Shai Gilgeous-Alexander propels Canada past Giannis Antetokoumpo, Greece in Paris 2024 men’s basketball

Canada’s NBA stars stepped up big time to start their Olympic Games Paris 2024 campaign.

Taking on former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece in their Paris 2024 opener, Shai Gilegeous-Alexander, along with Dillon Brooks and RJ Barrett, showed why Canada is among the top contenders for a podium finish in the tournament.

Gilgeous-Alexander paced Team Canada with his clutch play, finishing with 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

Competing on the world's biggest stage for the first time since 2000, Canada showed off bold and aggressive style of play, clearly dominating the first half.

Come the third quarter, it was the Greeks' turn to frustrate the Canadians with their stifling defense, cutting the double-digit deficit numerous times.

After trailing by 10 points early in the fourth, Greece managed to cut the deficit to just four points after two free throws by Antetokounmpo.

But after struggling to score against the pesky Greece defense, Lu Dort hit a huge three-pointer to give Canada some breathing room.

Gilegeous-Alexander then toyed his defender before hitting a step-back three to give his squad a 10-point lead once more at 78-68.

Greece would have one last fight in them after cutting the lead to just two points with just over a minute left in the game.

Needing a basket, Team Canada turned to none other than Gilgeous-Alexander, who drove to the basket and hit a clutch floater over Antetokounmpo.

After splitting his free throws on the other end, Antetokounmpo made a costly foul on Jamal Murray, who sank both to give Canada enough cushion to seal the win for a 1-0 start in Group A.

Barrett led Canada in scoring with 23 points, including a breakaway dunk to end the game.

Antetokounmpo tried all he could for Greece after scoring a game-high 33 points to go along with two assists and five rebounds. Kostas Papanikolau added 17 markers in the loss.

Canada will face Australia next, while Greece will go up against Spain.

Story Summary:

• Canada's NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, and RJ Barrett led their team to a strong start in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, defeating Greece 82-78 in their opener.
• Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his clutch play with 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Barrett led in scoring with 23 points, including a game-sealing breakaway dunk.
• Despite a strong performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored a game-high 33 points, and a late-game push from Greece, Canada maintained their lead with crucial plays in the final moments to secure a 1-0 start in Group A.

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]