Canada began the 2025 AmeriCup with two dominant group-stage victories, defeating Venezuela 88-54 and routing Panama by 50 points. Kyshawn George scored 18 points with four 3-pointers, recorded six 'stocks' and provided defensive versatility as a big wing. Leonard Miller debuted with 14 points on efficient shooting and used his 6'10" athleticism, off-arm craft and long strides to attack the rim. Mfiondu Kabengele produced 14 points and continued interior two-way dominance, helping Canada outscore opponents by 46 points in the paint. David Muenkat earned a starting defensive role, supplying physicality and grit.
In the opening game against Venezuela, the two NBA players making their SMNT debut powered Canada to an 88-54 win. Kyshawn George's defensive activity (six stocks!) as a big wing and shooting from deep (4/7 from 3) were standout traits that immediately translated from the NBA level to the FIBA game. In a similar fashion, Leonard Miller's physical tools overwhelmed the opposing Venezuelan defense as he slalomed his way deep into the restricted area for 14 PTS on 7/9 shooting.
Against Panama, it was Canada's depth of talent that fueled a 50 point win, which included giving up just four points in a dominant defensive performance in the third quarter. Mfiondu Kabengele, who I've written extensively about over the past year and half, continued his interior two-way dominance (he's a big reason why Canada has outscored opponents by 46 points in the paint) and should be well on his way to an All-AmeriCup nod at the end of the tournament.
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