Team USA will face off against Canada on Wednesday in the first of five exhibition games leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
North American Showdown: USA vs. Canada
The USA Basketball Showcase kicks off tonight in Las Vegas with a highly anticipated matchup between the United States and Canada. This game marks the beginning of a series of five exhibition games over two weeks, serving as preparation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Previous Encounter: A Memorable Battle
Team USA and Team Canada last clashed ten months ago in the bronze medal game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Canada emerged victorious in an overtime thriller, securing their first-ever medal in the World Cup and their first major international basketball competition medal since the 1936 Olympics.
Key Performers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks were pivotal in leading Team Canada to victory, combining for an impressive 70 points. Another standout moment came from Mikal Bridges of Team USA, who forced overtime by intentionally missing a free throw, grabbing his own rebound, dribbling to the corner, and nailing a fadeaway three-pointer.
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Team Rosters: A Look at the Lineups
Team Canada: Canada will return most of its World Cup team for the Olympics, with significant additions including Jamal Murray, Trey Lyles, and Andrew Nembhard. Canada boasts the highest number of current NBA players (10) among countries outside the US heading to the Olympics.
Team USA: In contrast, Team USA returns only two players from its World Cup roster—Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. However, the team has bolstered its lineup with ten NBA All-Stars, including four former league MVPs: LeBron James (4x), Steph Curry (2x), Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid.
Star Power: All-NBA Selections
Both teams feature a player from the 2023-24 All-NBA First Team—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Canada and Jayson Tatum for the US. Team USA, however, holds a significant advantage with a 9-1 edge in selections across all three All-NBA Teams. This includes players from the All-NBA Second Team (Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard) and Third Team (Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, LeBron James).
Injury Update: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in the Olympics, has been ruled out of the showcase due to calf soreness that has limited his participation during training camp in Las Vegas.
Early Challenge: Canada’s Strong Test for Team USA
With a roster filled with NBA talent and a higher level of team continuity, Canada presents a formidable challenge for Team USA as they take the court together for the first time this summer. This matchup will provide valuable insights into both teams’ readiness as they head towards the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The anticipation is high for tonight’s game in Las Vegas as basketball fans look forward to witnessing this thrilling North American showdown.
