In a turn of events that dampened the spirits of Canadian basketball fans, Canada faced its first defeat in the FIBA Men’s World Cup tournament. The team’s journey in this international competition had been nothing short of thrilling, but the recent loss to Brazil, with a final score of 68-65, has raised concerns about their future in the tournament and their hopes of making it to the Olympics.
The ever-changing dynamics of this tournament mean that fortunes can shift rapidly. Earlier in the day, Latvia’s victory against Spain meant that Canada couldn’t secure a spot in the quarterfinals yet, nor could they be completely eliminated. Nevertheless, securing a win would have been the ideal scenario heading into their crucial matchup against Spain on Sunday.
So, what went wrong for Canada in this pivotal game against Brazil? Several factors contributed to their disappointing performance.
Shooting Woes
One of the glaring issues for Canada in this game was their poor shooting. Lu Dort, with 17 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with 23 points, were the only Canadian players to reach double digits in scoring. In contrast, RJ Barrett struggled, managing to score only four points throughout the game. Barrett’s lackluster performance, going 1-8 from the field, 1-4 from beyond the arc, and 1-2 from the free-throw line, underscored the team’s offensive struggles.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had been a reliable sharpshooter in previous games, was held to just three points, going 1-8 from three-point range. The team’s offensive firepower seemed to have dimmed, with Dillon Brooks finishing the game with just two points, Kelly Olynyk with nine, and Dwight Powell with five. Collectively, Canada shot a dismal 33% from the field (21-63) and a mere 27% from beyond the arc (8-30), resulting in their lowest point total of the entire tournament.
Activity on the Glass
Brazil’s size advantage was evident in their dominance on the boards. Former Toronto Raptor Bruno Caboclo, in particular, had a standout performance with 19 points and an impressive 13 rebounds, leading the way for Brazil. The rebounding battle was a significant factor, with Brazil securing 43 rebounds compared to Canada’s 37, ultimately contributing to Brazil’s victory.
Foul Trouble
FIBA’s rule of five fouls is a crucial distinction from the NBA’s six-foul rule, and it had a notable impact in this game. Dillon Brooks found himself in foul trouble for the second consecutive game, accumulating four fouls early in the second half. This forced him to spend a considerable portion of the game on the bench, robbing Canada of a crucial defensive and physical presence. Dwight Powell also faced foul trouble late in the game, ultimately fouling out. His length had proven valuable in terms of rebounding and defending against Brazil’s larger players, making his absence keenly felt.
With this loss, Canada’s fate in the FIBA Men’s World Cup hangs in the balance. Their upcoming match against Spain, scheduled for Sunday morning, will be a do-or-die situation. Fortunately, Canada has recently tasted victory against Spain, securing an hard-fought 85-80 win in overtime on Spanish soil. RJ Barrett played a pivotal role in that victory, and the team will be hoping to rekindle that energy in the rematch.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup is the familiarity between Head Coach Jordi Fernandez and the Spanish team, as he previously served as an assistant coach within the Spanish program. Raptors fans will also recognize Juancho Hernangomez, a former Toronto Raptor, playing for the Spanish team. Additionally, the Spanish team is coached by Sergio Scariolo, a former assistant coach for the Raptors. Both Fernandez and Scariolo were contenders for the Raptors’ head coaching position before the appointment of Darko Rajakovic.
In a tournament filled with implications for both the competition and Olympic qualifications, this game promises not only high-stakes basketball but also a backdrop of personal and team narratives.
As Lu Dort aptly put it after the disappointing loss, “Trust Us.” The Canadian Men’s Basketball team has faced its share of adversity, but their determination remains unwavering. The crucial game against Spain will test their mettle and resilience, and Canadian fans will be anxiously waiting to see if their trust in the team is rewarded.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s first loss in the FIBA Men’s World Cup tournament with a 68-65 defeat to Brazil.
- Olympic hopes are now in jeopardy.
- Shooting struggles with low percentages, including RJ Barrett’s 1-8 shooting.
- Rebounding challenges as Brazil had more rebounds (43) compared to Canada (37).
- Foul trouble impacted Canada’s defense and physical presence.
- Must-win situation in the upcoming match against Spain.
- Previous victory against Spain adds to the anticipation of the game.
- Familiar faces on both teams, including Juancho Hernangomez and Sergio Scariolo.
- Lu Dort’s message to Canadian fans: “Trust Us.”
