Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Olympics Stats (July 30): How did Canada star perform against Boomers?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada took on Australia on Tuesday to grab a stranglehold of Group A. The Canadians opened their Paris Olympic campaign with a close 86-79 decision over the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greeks. “SGA” dragged his team to victory with crucial shots late against Greece.

The OKC Thunder hoped to have another strong outing versus the Boomers but couldn’t do so immediately. Two quick fouls in the first quarter prevented him from getting into rhythm. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the first 10 minutes with two points, but without any rebound, assist, steal, or block.

The All-NBA guard got himself going a bit in the second quarter. He scattered eight points to finish the first half with 10 but still had nothing to show in the other statistical categories. Australia took a 49-45 advantage by halftime.

Canada finally got into a groove starting the third quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed to nurse his personal fouls and helped his team play much better. He had four points, two assists, two steals and one rebound in the third frame. The Canadians finally ended a quarter with the lead 72-70.

“SGA” didn’t do much damage scoring the ball but he also made life difficult for the Aussies’ perimeter players. He even had a few stretches where he guarded former OKC Thunder teammate Josh Giddey, Australia’s offense hum. When asked to switch on Patty Mills, he had no trouble chasing the legendary Aussie around screens.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued to have more impact in the fourth quarter. He was in full command of Canada’s offense and ran the show like he normally does for coach Jordi Fernandez. Once the Canadians finished the third quarter with the lead, Gilgeous-Alexander made sure they were not giving it up.

Canada’s best player finished the game against Australia with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. With him in control of the offense, the Canadians rolled to a 93-83 victory to hold a 2-0 record.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s teammates picked up the slack early

Dillon Brooks, RJ Barrett, Jamal Murray and Lu Dort all had a hand keeping Canada in the game when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dealt with foul trouble. Without “SGA” limited, they picked up the slack. Dort and Brooks’ play on defense forced the Australians to a grit and grind game.

Murray, the Denver Nuggets star, plays backup for the stacked Canadian roster. Against the Boomers, he showed why he is a key figure in their quest to have a podium finish in the Olympics.

The 2023 NBA champ helped quarterback the offense and played with poise and composure. The Boomers tried and successfully on occasions to take the ball away from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jamal Murray insn't a bad second option and he dictated Canada’s tempo and attack.

The win against Australia proved that the Canadians can get the job done even when “SGA” doesn't have a big-scoring night. It looks like they are legitimate gold-medal contenders.