Joseph, Canada defeat Belgium in back-to-back games
After defeating Belgium yesterday, San Antonio Spurs draftee Cory Joseph and Canada returned to action Sunday in the final match of the 2011 Jack Donohue International classic by defeating Belgium 74 to 67.
Joseph finished with three points, 1-of-3 shooting, 0-for-2 from three point range, one rebound, one assist, and one turnover in 20 minutes of action. Saturday Joseph had four turnovers, it was a different story on Sunday.
At halftime Canada led 39 to 26 as Joseph played eight minutes but didn’t attempt a shot in the time period.
Joseph was reinserted into the game with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. He took and missed one three pointer from the left sideline. Canada went into the fourth quarter leading 54 to 46.
Joseph started the fourth quarter and was fouled coming off of a screen. His speed again was very noticeable as his defender had trouble getting away from him on offense and covering him on defense.
With eight minutes remaining in the game and Belgium inching closer, Joseph drove to the right and was fouled in the air, the shot went in and he finished the three-point play at the free throw line. This helped Canada make a 54 to 50 lead grow into a 57 to 50 lead.
As Canada was leading 64 to 53, Miami Heat’s Joel Anthony blocked a shot and the crowd’s volume grew. On offense, Joseph had the ball under the basket and dished a no-look pass to Anthony between two defenders and Anthony flushed the pass down with a dunk. The announcers said, “Two NBA players working together right there.”
Joseph would take a three pointer off of a screen and miss it before being sent to the bench with two minutes remaining in the game and Canada leading 71 to 64.
Canada went on to win 74 to 68. Kelly Olynyk led the Canadians in scoring with 16 points. New York Knicks’ Andy Rautins finished with 10 points and Anthony had six points and four blocks.
(Photo: Fiba.com)
There's much to be desired with joseph's shooting but, at least he shows he can guard and pass the ball to an open teammate which he should be doing as pg. Now it appears the spurs needs another pg. R. Sessions anyone?
i think spurs are definately going to need a backup pg now that we know hes having trouble with consistancy while not playing many minutes and 20 minutes is probably a lot more than he would be playing anyway
