Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during Canada’s overtime win over Team USA in the Fiba World Cup bronze medal game. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he’s an All-NBA First Team member last season with a sterling performance in the Fiba World Cup where he led Canada’s bronze medal run.
With a podium finish up for grabs, Gilgeous-Alexander took charge in overtime and finished with 31 points, six rebounds and 12 assists to outlast Team USA, 127-118, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
As great as he was, Gilgeous-Alexander refused to bask in the glory alone. After all, he got more than enough help especially from Dillon Brooks, who erupted for 39 points.
“I guess just know a bunch of those guys, playing against them all year. It was fun going up against them and it was a little competitive,” he told reporters after scoring seven points in the extra session.
“It’s an honor really to play for this group. [And considering the] things we accomplished, the things we did, it’s an honor.”
📺 Canada turn back USA in an incredible showdown for bronze to take home a World Cup medal for the first time in history!#FIBAWC x #WinForCanada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/K8J5fnz6Q1
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
When Team USA’s Mikal Bridges nailed the wild game-tying triple at the end of regulation, Gilgeous-Alexander just wouldn’t let Canada lose.
“Just keep fighting no matter what,” said the Oklahoma City Thunder star.
“Well, we won the first 40 minutes. Well, obviously not. But we won the majority of that, and we didn’t think it was a fluke. So we just tried to focus on winning the next five (minutes),” he added. “It was fun. I just came out there and played basketball, took what the defense gave me and we got the W.”
Bridges and Team USA had nothing but praise for Gilgeous-Alexander.
“He’s nice. He’s just slithery. He knows how to get out, get away, and get away from me. He’s First Team All-NBA for a reason. He’s just tough. He’s an unbelievable player. He’s just really good,” said Bridges, the Brooklyn Nets’ rising two-way star who even lost his footing on a step back triple by Gilgeous-Alexander.
Looking ahead to next year’s Paris Games, Gilgeous-Alexander is confident Canada, which achieved it best finish in the World Cup, is capable of winning it all in the Olympics.