In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Canyon Barry showcased his talent as he led the undermanned Team USA to two impressive victories in 3×3 pool play at the Paris Olympics. The absence of star player Jimmer Fredette, sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a lower extremity injury, did not deter Barry and his teammates from achieving success on the court.
With Barry scoring 14 points in a hard-fought 21-17 win against China and 16 points in a nail-biting 21-19 triumph over France earlier in the day, it was clear that he was on a mission to carry his team to victory. “Winning in the Olympics is fun,” Barry expressed with a smile. “I’ll tell you that there’s not much of a better feeling than that.”
Despite facing the challenge of playing with a man down, Barry remained resilient and dedicated to the team’s goal. “It’s exhausting, it’s brutal,” he shared. “But we’re Olympians, we’ve trained for it. Obviously, not ideal circumstances, but… you have to be able to push through and persevere. And that’s what makes being an Olympian special.”
In a tense showdown against China, the U.S. team maintained a narrow lead throughout the game. A pivotal 2-pointer by Dylan Travis extended the lead, but China fought back, narrowing the gap to 18-15. With less than a minute remaining, Barry stepped up with a clutch 2-pointer from the top of the key, sealing the victory with 36 seconds left on the clock.
Travis praised Barry’s exceptional performance, describing it as “unbelievable.” “I don’t know, it’s like he was playing with a higher power or something,” Travis marveled.
Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by Team USA, the resilience and determination shown by Canyon Barry and his teammates exemplified the true spirit of Olympic competition. As they continue their journey in the tournament, the team’s relentless drive and unwavering focus will undoubtedly be key to their success on the road to Olympic glory.
