"They're not gonna have any fear": Brian Windhorst highlights why Canada is a bona fide threat to Team USA

When Canada beat Team USA in the bronze-medal game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Americans got a wake-up call. USA Basketball better bring the best or defending the Tokyo gold medal three years ago might not happen. Failing to get a podium finish spurred LeBron James and other NBA superstars to commit to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As many expected both the Canadians and the Americans promptly booked spots in the quarter-final stage. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. won Group A with a 3-0 mark while their 2-0 North American neighbors have a game against Puerto Rico on Saturday. A win by the LeBron James-led squad will put them in pole position in Group C.

Canada and Team USA are likely to meet in the semi-finals. It is a mouthwatering matchup that many are already anticipating. Here’s what Brian Windhorst had to say about the Canadians’ chances against the Americans:

“They [Canadians] play a game that really matches the way Team USA plays. They can play small, they have wing defenders, which is what you need against Team USA. They can switch 1-5, they’re not gonna have any fear going up against the Americans who are only their peers.”

Windhorst added that the Canadians are “battled-tested” already after starting the Olympics in what is known as the “Group of Death. Canada had to go up against Australia, Greece and Spain in the preliminary stages. They finished 3-0 but could have been down 0-3 if not for their poised and unflappable execution in late-game situations.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray lead the “Great White North” team. The only player with no NBA experience on the roster is Melvin Ajim who plays for Unicaja in the Liga ACB. Coach Jordi Fernandez can also lean on Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort, Andrew Nembhard, RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk and others. They will be unfazed when they line up across the star-studded Americans.

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Continuity could be key for Canada against Team USA

Canada features eight players who suited up in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The continuity in the roster played a big part in their close wins against Greece, Australia and Spain. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort and RJ Barrett showed chemistry in topping Group A.

Team USA doesn’t have that kind of continuity as only Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards are returnees from the World Cup. Haliburton and Edwards are the only two who played under Steve Kerr as head coach of Team USA, although Steph Curry and Kevin Durant have experience playing for Kerr with the Warriors.

Kerr was an assistant coach in the Tokyo Olympics under Gregg Popovich. Only four players, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, were selected for this year’s summer games.

In a 40-minute game against opponents it is extremely familiar with, Canada’s continuity and chemistry could be difference-makers.