Brian WindhorstESPN Senior Writer3 Minute Reading
MANILA, Philippines — An NBA game erupted at the FIBA World Cup on Sunday, where Team USA and Team Canada went down in a high-octane, free-flowing, star vs. star game that they are very comfortable with a fun farewell. the league-obsessed Filipinos.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played his superstar role, scoring seven of his 31 points to start overtime and eventually lead Canada to a 127-118 victory to claim the bronze medal.
Canada also got a statement game, strong and unexpected from Dillon Brooks, who scored 39 points as part of a shooting masterpiece.
Mikal Bridges provided an iconic moment for Team USA when he capped a thrilling 4-point play by missing a free throw on purpose, chasing down the rebound and then spinning and firing a 3-pointer. with 0.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter to make a miraculous tie. Bridges had 19 points and gave it his all defending Gilgeous-Alexander all night.
However, this is only a recovery. The memory of this day will be enjoyed more by the Canadians, who won their first major international medal in 87 years. The last time Canada brought home basketball hardware was silver at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The US failed to medal in its second straight World Cup, the first since 1970. The Americans were hampered by the loss of starting center Jaren Jackson Jr. and reserves Brandon Ingram and Paolo Banchero due to illness.
Team USA limped to the finish, losing three of its last four games. The defense crumbled on the road, first due to more possessions allowed on offensive rebounds and finally falling under a staggering 3-pointers as the Americans struggled to get shooters as they tried to wrap up paint.
Including the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 Olympics, where Team USA won gold, the Americans have now lost seven times. This summer’s roster focused on quickness and versatility proved ineffective.
Executive director Grant Hill, general manager Sean Ford and coach Steve Kerr feel good about the team’s prospects and have reason to after a good pre-tournament performance. But they have to go back to the drawing board, and the star player recruiting trail, for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Eventually Kerr, determined to make small ball, decided to start playing five guards and wings with the “big man” 6-foot-5 Josh Hart. When Hart fouled out, Kerr replaced him with 6-foot-1 Jalen Brunson to make him smaller. Kerr played most of the last 10 minutes of the game this way and almost got the win.
However, at that moment, it seemed angry.
Brooks’ last three games in Manila were strong on both ends. The Americans knew Brooks’ reputation as an inconsistent outside shooter, but giving him space proved to be a mistake. He made 6 of 8 3-pointers and scored 21 points in a roaring first half, running around and buzzing like his trademark.
The crowd, who had booed him earlier in the week because he was against their beloved Los Angeles Lakers, turned around and awarded Brooks “MVP” at several points.
Brooks also battled Anthony Edwards on defense, and their battle against each other had the crowd cheering. Edwards finished with 24 points in a strong overall showing at the World Cup.
Austin Reaves capped off his excellent offensive tournament with 23 points for Team USA, while RJ Barrett added 23 points for Canada.