Canada have surged towards their first medal in FIBA World Cup history after holding off Team USA in an overtime thriller 127-118 behind Dillon Brooks’ game-high 39 points.
Canada jumped out to an early double-digit lead behind a hot Brooks start before the Americans hit back to cut the deficit to two heading into half-time.
The third quarter belonged to the Canadians before Team USA stormed back late to keep their hopes alive.
Down four with four seconds remaining, the Americans’ chances appeared non-existent but a made free throw followed by an intentional miss and corner three off the rebound courtesy of Mikal Bridges tied things up with 0.6 seconds on the clock to send the Manila crowd into hysteria.
Kelly Olynyk attempted a game-winning three at the buzzer which rimmed out to send the game to overtime.
The extra period belonged to the Canadians who marched towards their first top-three finish in FIBA World Cup history.
Brooks, who was also named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player, was extraordinary putting up 39 points on 12-of-18 from the field and 7-of-8 from three to go along with five assists and four rebounds.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earnt an All-Star Five nod, finished with 31 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds to put a bow on an outstanding campaign.
R.J. Barrett had 23 points and seven rebounds whilst Lu Dort added 11 points and six rebounds.
Despite earning a rebounding, paint, and fouls edge, the Americans were unable to reel in Canada’s three-point shooting (17-of-37) or come up with any answers for the Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander one-two punch.
Team USA were led by Bridges’ 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists whilst Austin Reaves added 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting and five rebounds.
Bobby Portis had 18 points and six rebounds whilst Anthony Edwards put up 18 points and five rebounds.
Canada’s odds of improving on their impressive campaign at next year’s Paris Olympics look strong with Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins, Bennedict Mathurin, Shaedon Sharpe, Chris Boucher, Brandon Clarke and Andrew Nembhard among the players who may make themselves available to bolster the roster.
