Group A is the toughest of the Games. Australia started with an important victory over Spain. A competitive duel in which the Aussies were practically the whole game ahead on the scoreboard, but always with Spain threatening to turn it around. The physicality of the Aussies made them dominate the rebounding and that advantage allowed them to have the game where they wanted it.

Once again, Patty Mills has been a key player for Australia. He has never been a star in the NBA, but in FIBA competitions he usually has great performances. The surprise came from Houston Rockets centre Jock Landale, who scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists. Josh Giddey, a youngster who is struggling to progress in the NBA, also performed well, but today he had 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Spain is the reigning European champions. They have reached the Games on the back of a win in the Pre-Olympics. This defeat leaves them in a very difficult situation, but they are a team that has responded positively many times when there was no margin for error. The best news they have had today is that Rudy Fernández has become the first basketball player to participate in six Olympic Games.

The duel between the Australians and the Spaniards was the first in Olympic basketball at Paris 2024. The day closed with the other Group A match. Canada, bronze medallists at the 2023 World Cup after beating the United States, started with a win over Greece (79-86). But it was far from easy.

Canada was in the lead the whole game. But Greece remained focused and threatening, thanks to the performance of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 34 points. He made a couple of mistakes late in the game, missing a free throw and then drawing a foul that facilitated the Canadian victory.

The North American team did not need a big performance from its top stars, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the starring role in the final minutes to secure his team's victory. 21 points and seven assists and the feeling that, when he wants to score, there is no defence to stop him.

The game had a lot of emotion and a high level of play. Even though it was the first day of the Games, both teams were very focused in their pursuit of victory. Canada is a clear medal contender, and suffering to win may prove to be a good learning experience for the rest of the tournament. Canada's top scorer was R.J. Barrett with 23 points. Dillon Brooks, a defensive specialist who helps the team's balance, also scored 14 points.

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The second day of this group will be played next Tuesday. At 11:00 local time, Spain-Greece will be played. At 13:30, Canada-Australia. Another two big games.

Group B

The first match in Group B was the debut of the reigning world champions at the Games. Germany beat Japan without much trouble. 97-77. The Wagner brothers, also teammates at Orlando Magic, had an outstanding day. Especially Franz, who scored 22 points. Daniel Theis was the reference inside the zone, while Dennis Schroder, the World Cup MVP, had 13 points and 12 assists.

The highlight of the group was France's debut against Brazil. Victor Wembanyama's first Olympic game. Expectations were high, and the San Antonio Spurs centre showed why. Against an uncomfortable opponent, he has not stopped doing things that add up for the team. His final statistics: 19 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks. Nicolas Batum, an NBA veteran, scored another 19 points. Final score: 78-66.

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France did not start well. They allowed the Brazilians to score easily. They needed to make a change, and it was the defence. From the second quarter onwards, Brazil started to run into difficulties. The size of the French team and their effort to prevent easy shots from their opponents paid off. 

Brazil does not have a particularly strong team in Paris. But they are a veteran team that can make life difficult for many of the participants. Although the game went against them, they did not give up. They forced France to stay focused in order not to let the victory slip away. The Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille ended the evening in celebration.

Tuesday will be the second matchday. At 17:15, the second chance to see Victor Wembanyama at the Games. France will face Japan. Then, at 21:00, the Brazil-Germany game will be played.

This Sunday the competition will start in Group C, the USA. South Sudan and Puerto Rico will meet at 11:00. The team led by the American standard-bearer, LeBron James, will make its debut at 17:15 against Nikola Jokic's Serbia.

Diana Taurasi ready to add to her history

What will also start on Sunday is the women's tournament. The Group A matches will be played. Spain and China will play the first match at 13:30. At 21:00 the Serbia-Puerto Rico game will be played, two teams that face each other in both categories. 

The focus is on Diana Taurasi, who is competing in Paris for her sixth Olympic Games. She will tie with Spaniard Rudy Fernandez in the number of participations. The American player is looking for her sixth gold.

Taurasi says she is not thinking about her personal glory. What matters to her is helping the team achieve its goal of becoming champions again. She is 42 years old and facing her last international tournament.

She admits she is a little tired of the questions about her sixth gold. She is also tired of her long career and the fact that her place is not taken by younger players. The work and motivation to be among the best is what has helped her to get this far.

To see Taurasi and her teammates we will have to wait until Monday when the United States begin their Olympic journey against Japan (21:00). They are in Group C. The other match in that group will be the same day at 13:30, with the Germany-Belgium clash. Group B will also make its debut on Monday. Nigeria-Australia at 11:00 and Canada-France at 17:15.