Armistice Broken as US-Canada Hostilities Reignite

Not since the War of 1812 has such malevolence been seen between two thirds of the members of the beloved United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, but a pre-Olympics, low stakes, winner-takes-none warm up match is bound to get two equally hostile nations hot under the collar. Unfortunately for the maple syrupier of these two neighbours, the United States of America is still better at basketball.

With the US missing both Kawhi Leonard (out for the Olympics) and Kevin Durant (held out for this game), Canada starting out with an 11 - 1 lead and former NBA MVP Joel Embiid fouling out early in the 3rd quarter, there wasn’t much doubt about who was coming out on top in Las Vegas. All the US stars played quiet but efficient games - Anthony Edwards top scored with 13 points, Stephen Curry went three of six from (FIBA) deep and Anthony Davis had a notable 10 point, 11 rebound, four block double-double. As much of a lull this game seemed from the United States, it feels like this is a team that is building to be a bigger product. Look for a signature detonation on some up and coming, proud basketballing nation come Olympic time (deepest apologies, South Sudan) for this team to truely look ‘meshed’.

Canada started as well as they could have; set a strong, physical tone from the outset, gave themselves a nice buffer to work with and locked down on defence. For the first five minutes Nova Scotians were lapping up their savoury donairs in style, watching their national heroes topple the arragent, blustering Southerners at their own game. Unfortunately, this all came to pass shortly after. That soft, fluffy bread hardened, tender meat toughened and delicious sauces turned cold as reality set in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held in check, being shadowed by Jrue Holiday early, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks and Jamal Murray all had similar outings. Kelly Olynyk was a lone bright spot, having just been forgiven for separating Kevin Love’s humerus from his clavical in 2015. When Barack Obama is in attendance and you’re left to wonder if he, Lebron James or Stephen Curry is more internationally recognisable, more times than not, the odds are stacked against you.

All in all - despite Joel Embiid bargaining his soul for free throws, or as hostile as Dillon Brooks was looking to make this game - a tame, fun showcase of NBA talent broke out in Sin City.