Defeat in extra time, after a very even match and tremendously useful for Spain’s preparation for the imminent World Cup.
Two Barret triples in less than a minute (0-6) have marked the evolution of the score in the first quarter, which has always been favorable to Canada. Spain, on the other hand, has been unsuccessful in its first 5 3-point shots. All in all, Willy has partly balanced the duel in the paint, although the Canadians have displayed an excellent internal connection in attack. Sergio Llull made his debut this summer in minute 5, and shortly after he scored a penetrating basket (12-19, minute 7). By then the game had balanced, with a renewed Spain on the court, but the start continued to weigh. Two almost identical counterattacks, with assistance from Rudy to Garuba narrowed the score (21-24) before a three pointer from Alexander.
The defense of the National Team has gone up whole in the second quarter. So much so that Canada has only been able to add 1 point in the first five minutes. One of Claver’s two three-pointers in this period put Spain ahead for the first time (29-28, minute 13), and from then until the break each team responded to each other’s basket. A mate from Juancho on a counterattack and a pat from him also led to 44-39. And with just a few tenths on the clock, Olyznik closed the first half with a free kick (44-40).
Maximum defensive intensity, fierce fight for the rebound and in general less fluidity in the attack of both teams. The second half predicted what the game was going to be like until the end: a physical duel at times, in which with a lower scoring rate, the score has always moved by minimal differences. Two initial baskets from Abalde have placed it at 50-44 (minute 24) and a new triple from Rudy, at 56-53, seconds before the end of the quarter (56-55).
The last quarter has not changed its parameters, but it has offered memorable actions: a defense between Díaz and Garuba, which ended with an assist from the ground and a dunk from the center (61-59, minute 32); an assist from Aldama from behind to Juancho (66-64, minute 36); or a triple on Joel’s possession buzzer (69-64, minute 37). At 73-73, neither Brizuela nor Gilgeous-Alexander have hit their shots, and they have gone into overtime.
Canada started much better, leading 73-80 (minute 42) after a recovered ball and a basket from Barrett. But Spain, as always, has not lowered its very high level of competitiveness and confidence, and little by little has been scratching points (78-80, minute 43, after a triple by Claver). They have gotten even closer (80-82) with great offensive action from Juan Núñez. And the end has been a face or cross.
A great match, which was very similar to an official competition duel, and which represented an excellent test for the preparation of Sergio Scariolo’s team.
2023-08-18 03:56:41
#duel #Canada #resolved #extra #time
