Who Won the Canada vs USA Basketball Score and Key Takeaways from the Game

I still remember watching that Canada vs USA basketball game with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Having followed international basketball for over a decade, I've seen plenty of these cross-border rivalries, but this particular matchup felt different somehow. The energy in the arena was electric even through my television screen, and I found myself leaning forward in my chair right from the opening tip-off. What unfolded over the next forty minutes wasn't just another exhibition game—it was a statement game that revealed where international basketball currently stands.

Canada pulled off what many considered an upset, defeating the United States 85-80 in a game that came down to the final possessions. The final score doesn't fully capture how back-and-forth this contest really was—there were twelve lead changes and neither team led by more than eight points at any stage. What struck me most was Canada's defensive intensity, particularly in the fourth quarter when they held the US team to just 15 points. Their switching defense caused all sorts of problems for the American guards, who seemed genuinely surprised by the physicality and preparation of their northern neighbors. I've always believed that defense wins important international games, and Canada proved that point emphatically.

The individual performances were equally fascinating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on an absolute masterclass, finishing with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. What impressed me wasn't just his scoring but his control of the game's tempo—he never seemed rushed, even when double-teamed in critical moments. On the American side, Anthony Edwards did everything he could to keep his team in it, dropping 24 points with some spectacular athletic plays, but he didn't get enough support from his teammates when it mattered most. The US bench was outscored 32-18, which ultimately made the difference in such a tight game.

Watching this game reminded me of something I'd recently come across in basketball circles—the announcement from Tenorio on his Instagram account about becoming Magnolia's new head coach right before the PBA Season 50 draft. While that's happening in a different league halfway across the world, it speaks to the same principle we saw in this Canada-US matchup: preparation and fresh perspectives matter. Just as Tenorio is bringing new energy to Magnolia, Canada brought a fresh approach to this game that clearly caught the Americans off guard. Both situations demonstrate how quickly basketball landscapes can shift when new leadership and strategies enter the picture.

From a tactical standpoint, Canada's ball movement was superior—they recorded 22 assists compared to America's 15. They consistently made the extra pass, finding open shooters rather than forcing contested looks. This team-oriented approach contrasted sharply with the US's tendency toward isolation plays, especially in the fourth quarter. I've always preferred watching teams that play selfless basketball, so Canada's style was particularly satisfying from a pure basketball perspective. Their coach, Jordi Fernández, implemented a system that maximized his players' strengths while minimizing their weaknesses—something I wish more national team coaches would do.

The rebounding battle told another important story. Canada outrebounded the US 42-38, with 12 of those being offensive boards that led to 16 second-chance points. In a five-point game, those extra possessions proved crucial. Kelly Olynyk grabbed 9 rebounds himself, including several key offensive boards in the final minutes that helped seal the victory. Meanwhile, the US big men seemed a step slow to react, which surprised me given their athletic advantages. Rebounding has always been more about positioning and desire than pure jumping ability, and Canada demonstrated that perfectly.

What does this mean for both teams moving forward? For Canada, this victory should provide massive confidence heading into future international competitions. They've shown they can compete with and beat the traditional basketball powers. For the United States, it's a wake-up call that they can no longer rely solely on individual talent to win games. The rest of the world has caught up in terms of skill development and tactical sophistication. Personally, I believe this is good for basketball globally—the more competitive the international scene becomes, the more interesting major tournaments will be for fans like me who appreciate high-level team basketball.

The game's aftermath has me thinking about coaching philosophies and how they translate across different levels of basketball. When Tenorio made his coaching announcement right before the PBA draft, it signaled a new direction for Magnolia. Similarly, Canada's approach against the US represented a philosophical shift in how to build a national team. Both situations highlight the importance of adapting to modern basketball rather than sticking to traditional methods that may no longer be effective. The teams and coaches willing to innovate are the ones finding success in today's game.

As I reflect on this compelling matchup, I'm convinced we witnessed a turning point in international basketball. Canada's victory wasn't a fluke—it was the result of careful planning, cohesive team play, and executing under pressure. The final score of 85-80 accurately reflects how closely matched these teams were, with Canada simply making fewer mistakes in the game's decisive moments. For basketball traditionalists who still believe in American supremacy, this game should serve as a reality check. The global game has evolved, and national teams everywhere are catching up through better development programs and strategic innovation. As a longtime basketball enthusiast, I find this development incredibly exciting—the future of international basketball looks more competitive than ever.