It was all or nothing. Win or go home. An immense challenge for Spanish basketball, considering that the rival was a Canada full of NBAs. Either be first and be in the quarter-finals or be fourth and say goodbye to the Olympic Games. And it came up tails.
Scariolo’s Spain got into trouble with that defeat against Australia. The victory against Greece was not enough and they will not be in the quarter-finals, which will be held in Paris.
Canada had already taken a lead by the break. It was 11-under with NBA star Gilgeous-Alexander dominating the game from point guard, scoring and assisting his teammates.
‘La Familia’ improved somewhat in the third quarter, with Llull and Abrines shooting from the three-point line. But it was not enough. Defense was key, more intensity was needed in the backcourt to take advantage of the transitions.
Lorenzo Brown made several consecutive errors that increased the Canadian lead. Llull and Alberto Díaz rested, exhausted, on the bench. Also Willy with four fouls was crucial on the attacking side. It was Darío Brizuela’s moment in the last quarter.
The lead was around seven points. Spain got within two with Brizuela scoring. Abrines and Llull each missed a free throw… and Canada finished off the three-pointer. Spain will not be in the quarterfinals of the Games.
