In a captivating match, Canada’s Men’s Senior basketball team clinched the leading position in Group H at the FIBA World Cup with a victory against Latvia. The hero of the day was none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose outstanding performance propelled Canada to their third consecutive win in the tournament’s first round.
Canada’s Path to Glory
Canada’s journey in the FIBA World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. They entered their final first-round game against Latvia with a sense of accomplishment, having already secured a place in the second round. Both Canada and Latvia held impressive 2-1 records, and while there was no elimination at stake in this match, the teams were acutely aware that their records and point differentials would significantly impact their future in the tournament.
Advancing from Group H alongside Latvia, Canada had set their sights on the second round, where they would face the top two teams from Group G. Spain had already secured their spot in the second round, and the outcome of the game between Cote D’Ivoire and Brazil would determine Canada’s other opponent in the upcoming stage.
The matchup against Latvia held a particular intrigue. Latvia had made a name for themselves as a superpower in long-range shooting, known for their ability to sink three-pointers from virtually anywhere on the court. Their quick ball movement and status as a dark horse team made them a formidable opponent. In contrast, Canada had faced challenges in three-point shooting throughout the tournament, often relying on driving to the rim and scoring in the paint. Given these dynamics, Canada recognized the importance of taking the game seriously to secure their continued success.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Points | Point differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 3 | 0 | 111 | +111 |
| Latvia | 2 | 1 | 75 | -26 |
| Lebanon | 1 | 2 | 65 | -46 |
| France | 1 | 2 | 63 | -38 |
Challenges in the First Half
The first half of the game laid bare some of Canada’s vulnerabilities. At one point, Latvia held a 12-point lead over Canada, capitalizing on Canada’s early shooting struggles. Canada’s three-point shooting, a source of concern, was at just 20%, and the situation became more daunting as Dillon Brooks amassed three early fouls. FIBA’s rule of five fouls for disqualification, unlike the NBA’s six, added to the pressure. The first quarter concluded with Canada trailing 23-13.
However, Canada’s determination began to shine through in the second quarter. A 5-0 run initiated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett marked the turning point. Nickeil Alexander-Walker joined the resurgence with crucial three-pointers, and a buzzer-beating dunk by Barrett secured a narrow lead of 43-42 for Canada at halftime.
Despite their inconsistent shooting in the first half—30% from three and 38% from the field—Canada demonstrated resilience and determination.
Canada Shines in the Third Quarter
As Canada had showcased in previous FIBA games, the third quarter is where they shine brightest. This game was no exception. Having been down by 12 points in the first half, Canada embarked on a remarkable turnaround. They outscored Latvia by ten points in the third quarter, taking a commanding 67-57 lead into the final period.
What was particularly striking was Latvia’s sudden cold streak from beyond the arc. They failed to make a single three-pointer in the third quarter, presenting Canada with a golden opportunity to extend their lead.
A Dominant Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter was all about amassing points for Canada. They maintained their lead, despite Dillon Brooks spending considerable time on the bench with four fouls. Canada’s strategy remained consistent—physical and aggressive play near the rim. Phil Scrubb, a mainstay in the Canadian basketball program, contributed with some timely three-pointers, underscoring the significance of every point in FIBA competitions. In such tournaments, point differentials can often be the key to success in future rounds.
Canada finished the game with a resounding victory, defeating Latvia 101-75. This not only secured the victory but also placed Canada at the top of Group H. It marked a historic achievement for the Canadian Men’s team, as they completed the first round with an unblemished 3-0 record and an impressive point differential of +111—the highest in the entire tournament.
Standout Performances
Leading the charge for Canada were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with an impressive 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists, and RJ Barrett with 22 points, five rebounds, and one assist. While Barrett faced challenges at the free-throw line, going 0-4, he compensated with a remarkable 4-6 performance from beyond the arc. Team Captain Kelly Olynyk made his presence felt with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists, punctuated by four crucial three-pointers.
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
In the second round, Canada’s journey takes them face to face with Spain and one of Brazil or Cote D’Ivoire. The outcome of these matchups will determine which two teams advance to the quarter-finals. A noteworthy point is Canada’s recent victory over Spain, adding an extra layer of anticipation to these upcoming clashes.
While Canada’s stellar performance in the first round is cause for celebration, the journey is far from over. The quest for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics continues. In the Americas, where only two out of seven teams at the FIBA World Cup secure an Olympic berth, competition remains intense. Team USA remains the dominant force in the region, but contenders like the Dominican Republic, with Karl Anthony Towns leading the way, have also emerged strongly, going 3-0 in their group play.
For Canadian fans, supporting Cote D’Ivoire in their next game becomes essential, as Brazil’s elimination would clear another obstacle on Canada’s path to Olympic qualification. As the excitement surrounding Canada’s strong start in the FIBA World Cup lingers, the challenges ahead serve as a reminder of the arduous journey that lies ahead. The race continues, and Canada’s basketball journey is filled with promise and anticipation, with every point and victory bringing them closer to their Olympic dreams.
