Paris Olympics

RJ Barrett sets tone, powers Canada past Australia in Group A showdown

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (16 points) and RJ Barrett (24 points) stand tall to keep Canada undefeated in Olympic play.

Kyle Hightower | The Associated Press

Updated on July 30, 2024 9:30 PM

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VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — RJ Barrett had 24 points and seven rebounds and Canada stayed unbeaten in group play at the Paris Olympics with a 93-83 victory over Australia on Tuesday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 16 points as Canada improved to 2-0 and remained on track to advance when the tournament field is trimmed from 12 to eight teams and shifts to Paris next week for the knockout stage.

Read the full game report here 👇#Paris2024 x #Basketball https://t.co/WKelVKeUUM

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 30, 2024

📌 RJ Barrett scored 24 points today (7 REB, 5 AST), only Steve Nash (26 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST in 2000) scored more points among the Canadian 🇨🇦 players who had 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a game at the #Olympics.#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/mo9RHxzAXf

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 30, 2024

Josh Giddey led Australia with 19 points. Dante Exum finished with 15.

Canada plays Spain in its final group-stage matchup. Australia faces Greece next.

The game was tight throughout the first half. But Barrett kept finding seams in Australia’s defense, helping his team take its first double-digit lead on a 3-pointer with 5:13 remaining. Canada then pushed it up to 83-72 with about 4 1/2 minutes to play.