Team Canada’s senior men’s national team has made history.
They defeated Team USA 127-118 in overtime at the 2023 FIBA World Cup to capture the bronze medal, winning their first medal at a World Cup in team history.
Dillon Brooks led the way for Canada with 39 points as he set a FIBA World Cup record for the most points scored in a medal-winning game. Brooks was 12-for-18 from the field and was a red-hot 7-for-8 from three-point land. He also added 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocked shots in the win.
Brooks was named the best defensive player of the FIBA World Cup:
“I’m the best perimeter defender in this tournament, in the world, in the NBA.” 🛡️
Dillon Brooks is the Best Defensive Player of #FIBAWC 💯
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in with a massive performance of his own. He had 31 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and a block in the win. He shot 11-for-20 from the floor and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line.
RJ Barrett was solid as well scoring 23 points and hauling in 7 rebounds.
For Team USA Anthony Edwards led the way with 24 points, while Austin Reaves scored 23 points and Bridges added 19 points in the loss. Team USA leaves the FIBA World Cup tournament empty handed.
Team Canada has not only made history at the FIBA World Cup tournament, but they also accomplished their big goal of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
They did it in impressive fashion beating No. 5 France, No. 1 Spain, No. 7 Slovenia and No. 2 USA in this tournament. A truly remarkable showing for a Canadian team that entered the tournament ranked 15th overall. The future is certainly bright for this program and the best is yet to come.
For as talented as this squad is, Team Canada will look forward to some new additions for the 2024 Olympics. NBA champions Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins should be at the top of the list of players Canada looks to add to their Olympic roster.
What’s next for Team Canada?
After their historic run at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Canada now has their sights set on the 2024 Olympics.
This will be Team Canada’s first appearance at the Olympics since 2000.
Canada has come a long way and they are finally showing that they belong atop the basketball world.
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