The Brooklyn Nets’ newest bench leader faced an old, pivotal rival from the team’s Brooklyn lore this afternoon. It was Team Canada vs Team Greece — and within that — Jordi Fernández vs Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This first contest to open group play for both teams was nothing short of a game of tag. Canada led the entire affair but Greece never let them get too far ahead, clipping at their heels just as consistently.
Greece struggled to generate non-Antetokounmpo offense early as the Canadians collapsed each time he entered the paint like moths seeking a lit match.