Paris 2024: Canada bounce back from USA defeat to score warm-up win over France men’s basketball team ahead of Olympics – Eurosport

Canada defeated France 85-73 as the two teams warmed up for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Canadians had lost to Team USA 86-72 last Wednesday in their first exhibition match ahead of the Games.

The Games’ hosts boast some of the best players in the men’s game at the moment, with Victor Wembanyama playing, though he missed much of the first quarter.

The 20-year-old San Antonio Spurs star racked up early fouls and was kept out of action to protect him for later in the match.

Wembanyama netted just 10 points over the course of the match as he was hampered by the attention of Dillon Brooks.

Veteran Rudy Gobert also started for France, but it was not enough to resist their opponents.

Canada had Shai Gilgous-Alexander to thank as he scored 23 points, and added five rebounds and five assists in a strong all-round performance.

He was ably assisted by RJ Barrett, who scored 21 points (12 of which came from the free throw line).

Star player, guard Jamal Murray, was rested by Canada as they prepare for their opening match in France, on July 27 against Greece.

South Sudan have suffered a major blow ahead of the Olympics as star player Bol Bol has been ruled out of their roster due to undisclosed “personal reasons”.

“He always wanted to play. At the World Cup, he wanted to play, but his situation at the time… He was let go by Orlando [Magic], so at that time, he wanted to focus on himself and his career.”

Bol’s father, Manute Bol, was the man who essentially paved the way for South Sudan as a basketball-loving nation during his NBA career.

South Sudan did however beat Great Britain 84-81 on Thursday in Bol’s absence, and also without Jo Lual-Acuil and Thon Maker.

They are Africa’s only representative in basketball in Paris.