In a tumultuous start to their Olympic journey, the United States men's basketball team faced adversity with injuries, roster changes, and intense scrutiny. Despite these distractions, the team managed to secure an 86-72 victory over Canada, showcasing a mix of defensive intensity and offensive rustiness. With stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry leading the charge, the Americans navigated a challenging night marred by controversies, fouls, and turnovers. The last-minute replacement of Kawhi Leonard with Derrick White stirred controversy, with Jaylen Brown hinting at sneaker company bias influencing selection decisions. Coach Steve Kerr remained focused on setting the tone for a successful campaign in Paris, emphasizing defensive intensity and teamwork. Through it all, the team persevered, showcasing its depth and talent against a feisty Canadian side. As legends like Barack Obama cheered from the sidelines, the U.S. team overcame early struggles to secure a hard-fought victory, bringing a sense of unity and purpose to their Olympic aspirations.