Maintaining a high level of intensity. Distributing the ball. Guarding the other team's best outside shooter. Scoring a lot. In its first two games against the United States, Canada shot below 30 percent from the floor.
International basketball can be rough.
The paint doubles as a battle zone, and screens could just as easily be called body checks. And you can't let down for a second. Dales did against the U.S. team Wednesday. A slow reaction, and Katie Smith shot an uncontested jumper. A sloppy pass, and Edwards grabbed a steal.