1. It shouldn’t comes as a surprise that the first game of a high-pressure tournament featuring two fairly thrown together teams playing halfway around the world was a little ragged. But Canada’s 77-69 win over Turkey was a little ragged. Specifically, the Canadians struggled any time the game slowed down and they were tasked with trying to run offence against a set Turkish defence.
It didn’t matter too much as Canada’s quickness defensively at all five positions was enough to keep the game in control. Canada held Turkey to 36 per cent shooting and forced 11 turnovers, which helped the Canucks hold an 11-6 edge in fast-break points. Even when they didn’t score initially in transition, Canadian guards Cory Joseph, Tyler Ennis and Phil Scrubb pushed the ball off misses, and got Canada into early offence or scrambles which led to their best chances.
2. Joseph is emerging as the real leader of this generation of national team talent. He’s not necessarily the flashiest player and he doesn’t really change his game from the NBA to the national team, but the shorter three-point line suits him and his willingness to shoulder responsibility on a young team is essential. He scored 10 points in the first half and then 11 points in the third quarter to help Canada settle in. Canada led by nine at half and 12 after three quarters. Their only real bobble came down the stretch when Turkey cut a 13-point lead with 2:08 to play to seven with 48 seconds to go, but it was more of a hint of a threat than the real thing.
Tristan Thompson looked a little out of rhythm — not surprisingly, given he just joined the team a few days ago — and Canada struggled with some foul trouble, so Joseph’s willingness and ability to take charge was key.
3. That said it wasn’t like Canada walked through Turkey — no surprise against the No. 8 team in the world, even missing most of its recognizable NBA talent. Turkey will regret shooting just 19-of-34 from the line. Canada, overall, looked like a team that can and should get to the final game on July 10 against what would most likely be France. Win that and Canada makes it to Rio, however unconventionally.
Canada’s back court looks to be in really good shape with Joseph and Tyler Ennis, who struggled a bit (1-of-4 from the floor with two turnovers) but still was a plus-9 in his 16:45 of floor time, tied with Joseph and the ever-ready Melvin Ejim for the team lead. Canada shot a tidy 20-of-24 from the line and held their own on the boards against a massive Turkish roster.
Overall, it was a solid start that Canada can build on as they try to find their way to Rio.