In a highly anticipated FIBA World Cup matchup between North American rivals, Canada emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime battle against the United States, securing a bronze medal in front of a sellout crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, denying USA any medal, per NBA.com. The game showcased the rise of Canada’s basketball prowess and set the stage for future clashes between these two formidable teams.
The North American basketball landscape is evolving, with Canada’s emergence as a genuine powerhouse. Historically, the United States has dominated the basketball scene, but Canada’s performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup has signified a shifting balance of power.
Canada, previously without a medal in the FIBA World Cup’s history, entered the tournament with a roster brimming with young NBA talent, led by the exceptional Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The team’s captivating performance has earned them a place in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, alongside the United States. The rivalry between these two nations is gaining momentum, and fans eagerly anticipate a rematch in the upcoming Olympics.
The game itself was a showcase of skill, determination, and dramatic moments. Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge for Canada, combining for a staggering 70 points. Brooks, in particular, was on fire, hitting all five of his 3-pointers in the opening half and finishing with 39 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
Gilgeous-Alexander displayed all-around brilliance with 31 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds, including a pivotal seven points in overtime that sealed Canada’s victory. On the USA side, Anthony Edwards and Austin Reaves led the scoring with a combined 47 points. However, slow starts had plagued the US team throughout the tournament, and they struggled to regain momentum.
Throughout the contest, Canada maintained a significant lead in time led, highlighting their control over the game. The US constantly found themselves playing catch-up, a recurring theme in their FIBA World Cup journey. The game’s intensity was evident, with Canada leading for 35 minutes and the US holding the lead for just over five minutes.
The matchup was characterized by momentum swings, with both teams seizing opportunities to take control. The US launched an impressive comeback in the second quarter, fueled by a 19-2 run, showcasing the depth of their roster. However, Canada remained resilient, heading into halftime with a two-point lead.
Canada extended their advantage in the third quarter, forcing the US to mount yet another comeback. With just 20 seconds left in regulation and Canada leading by four points, Dillon Brooks seemed poised to seal the victory, making two clutch free throws. Yet, Austin Reaves and Mikal Bridges engineered a remarkable turnaround. Bridges intentionally missed a free throw, secured the offensive rebound, and sank a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to force overtime.
In the overtime period, the US committed crucial turnovers, allowing Canada to regain control and ultimately secure the bronze medal with a 127-118 victory.
As the United States departs from the FIBA World Cup without a medal, questions loom about the composition of the Olympic roster for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The Olympics typically attract star players to represent Team USA, and the recent losses in the World Cup will likely intensify discussions about roster changes.
Despite the setbacks, certain players from the US team showcased their potential to be part of the Olympic roster. Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Mikal Bridges made strong cases with their exceptional performances. Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Paolo Banchero, Josh Hart, and Bobby Portis also had impactful moments during the tournament.
The FIBA World Cup’s conclusion marks the beginning of a new era in North American basketball, with Canada’s rise as a formidable rival to the United States. The stage is set for exciting future matchups and a renewed rivalry that will captivate basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
