Team Canada Finishes Undefeated In The "Group Of Death" And Looks Poised For A Deep Olympic Run

SAMEER AL-DOUMY. Getty Images.

It's fair to suggest that for anyone to actually beat Team USA in these Olympics, it's going to take more than a team that has chemistry and continuity as a result of playing together for a long time. You need the talent. And while no team in the field can truly match Team USA's talent, if there was one out there who has a case it's Team Canada. Of their 12 spots, 10 of them are NBA players which is the most of any team not named Team USA. 

Now that they've survived against Spain to move to 3-0 in their group, Team Canada has now punched their ticket to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2000. Conversely, this is also the first time since 2000 that Spain didn't make it which is understandable considering this isn't exactly the Spain roster of old. Just like with Team USA, this is a balanced Canadian team who gives you a little bit of everything

We all know SGA is a monster and worthy MVP candidate, but what stood out most today and what could mean the most moving forward is the play of Andrew Nembhard. What we saw from him

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looked exactly like the guy who was virtually unstoppable in the ECF. People seemed to want to overlook his play at the time when talking about what a cupcake run the Celts had, but make no mistake. Andrew Nembhard was ridiculous in that series

and considering he's the 3rd guard on this roster behind Murray/SGA, that's pretty damn good. Just like SGA, he seems to be able to get into the paint at will, and his midrange pullup has become legitimately automatic. There's a reason the Pacers gave him this extension last week

and his performance in this win for Canada was a nice reminder. Not bad for the 31st pick!

So why does their performance today matter? Well, as of now given how things stand, there's still a solid chance USA/Canada meet up in the semi-finals. I'm pretty sure they can't meet in the quarters, but it's not crazy to suggest Team Canada at some point will stand in the way of Team USA winning gold given how they've been playing so far.

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In case you were wondering, there are a few ways for Canada to avoid the US until the Finals, but this is the easiest route

That France/Germany game today suddenly feels pretty damn important.

One thing Canada's Olympics have shown us thus far is that unless you have legitimate/elite ball handling at the guard position mixed with size, you're going to be in trouble against Canada's defense. Between SGA, Dort, Brooks, NAW, and Barrett it's the perimeter defense from Canada that has had their opponents in absolute hell. Their ball pressure is real, and they are strong and quick enough to fight over any screen you try and set. They are most certainly MUCH better than any group of perimeter defenders Team USA has faced to this point, and for a team that has shown to be very sloppy with the basketball ever since the tune up games, that issue cannot be overlooked when it comes to a potential matchup with Canada. This stand around and watch someone iso offense is not going to cut it against elite level NBA defenders. 

Remember, while it was against a much worse Team USA roster, Canada did beat the US in the FIBA World cup Bronze medal game with Brooks/SGA combining for 70 points. We'll see how it looks this time around if they eventually meet, and given how Team Canada looks at the moment I think it's safe to say that matchup is coming at some point.