BASKETBALL: Canada's bucket list

With quarterfinal spot sealed, next task is avoiding U.S. until potential dream final

- DOUG SMITH

After two quick fouls early in Tuesday's Olympic basketball clash with Australia, Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rebounded with 16 points and four boards in 26 minutes.

It is Jordi Férnandez's hope and expectation that the Canadian men's basketball team will improve incrementally during the Olympics.

They will learn lessons in each game, grow familiar with each other and build to a historic medal crescendo late next week in Paris.

The head coach's wish has played out perfectly so far, and the ultimate goal is coming more in focus.

A 93-83 victory over Australia on Tuesday in Lille gave Canada a guaranteed spot in the Olympic Games quarterfinals, while also providing the coach with teaching moments.

It was a clinical performance in many ways for Canada, now 2-0 heading to a final first-round game against Spain on Friday. When France beat Japan in overtime and Germany beat Brazil later Tuesday, the Canadians were assured a berth in the knockout round, but there's still a feeling this team has more to give.

The Canadians can go 3-0 by beating Spain and, depending on other results, avoid the U.S. until a possible gold-medal game. For now, the job is to continue improving.

They were good against Australia, make no mistake. The preternatural calm of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the physicality of Lu Dort and Dillon Brooks, a more comfortable Jamal Murray and the constant excellence of RJ Barrett led Canada over a very good opponent.

The growth, though, will come when the Canadians are able to extend periods when they are merely good to stretches when they are tremendous.