Team Canada has opened their 2024 Olympics campaign with back-to-back victories over Greece and Australia. But while the Canadians are proving their worth in the 'Group of Death' in the current Olympic basketball tournament, Denver Nuggets superstar guard Jamal Murray has not been a critical piece in the team's two victories.
After their game against Australia, Murray spoke about his limited minutes on Team Canada. The 2023 NBA champion clarified that there is nothing wrong with his health and it's just that he is playing the role that has been given to him by head coach Jordi Fernandez.
"Everybody has their role," said Murray . "You saw Jayson Tatum didn't play a single minute. Tyrese Haliburton didn't play. A lot of guys on other teams are starting for their respective NBA teams so it's not an ego thing over here."
Murray is a -12 for Canada after two games
Many expected Murray to play a significant role for Canada in the Paris Olympics. After all, he's the only one on the talent-laden Canadian team with NBA championship experience. However, after two games played, Jamal has played an average of 21 minutes per game, a far cry from the 31.5 MPG he logged last season in the NBA for the Nuggets.
With limited minutes, Murray has averaged just 6.5 points per game on 4-13 shooting, including just 1-8 from three-point distance. More interestingly, he is a cumulative -12 after two games played. But according to Jamal, it's not about the numbers or the minutes.
"We're just trying to get the win," added Murray. "I think that's why it's a lot of fun cuz it's just a bunch of the best players from the same country trying to get a win not worrying about stats or egos or roles."
Canada is among the fancied teams in Paris
With ten players currently on NBA rosters, including All-NBA First Team member Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , the Canadians are among the top favorites to win the gold medal in the men's basketball competition. No question, the Americans are the heavy betting favorites to capture Olympic gold but Team Canada has the second-best odds to win.
The Canadians survived a big game from two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to beat Greece 86-79 in their Olympic opener. They followed that up with an impressive 93-83 defeat of the equally fancied Australian national team. Up next for them is Spain, where Team Canada is favored to win by 9.5 points.
RJ Barrett leads Canada in scoring at 23.5 PPG, while SGA is putting up 18.5 PPG and 5.0 APG. Dillon Brooks is the only other Canadian scoring in double digits at 15.0 PPG while playing great defense. But if they are going to upset the Americans somewhere down the road, Canada is going to need more firepower. If coach Jordi calls on Jamal, you bet he is ready to lead them against anyone.
Related: "It's tough because you leave off people who are great" - Grant Hill admits difficulties in building Team USA's roster for the 2024 Olympics
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