Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Canada To Olympics With Upset Victory

Photo: Instagram/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Canada's men's basketball team secured their ticket to the Olympics for the first time since 2000 in a thrilling 88-85 upset victory over Spain at the FIBA World Cup.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard, couldn't contain his excitement as he spoke to reporters, emphasizing, "We're a part of history." He acknowledged the immense effort put into the program by countless individuals over the years and expressed their commitment to represent them well.

In a standout performance, Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with an impressive 30 points, showcasing his versatility with seven assists and three steals. Dillon Brooks contributed significantly with 22 points, and R.J. Barrett added 16 points to seal the historic win.

Photo: Instagram/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Willy Hernangomez, representing Spain, put up a valiant effort with 25 points. The game was a rollercoaster, with Canada trailing by 12 points going into the fourth quarter, only to stage a remarkable comeback.

Gilgeous-Alexander described it as a "really, really good game" and praised Spain's high-level performance. He credited their victory to the team's unwavering determination and understanding of the stakes at hand.

Canada's roster boasts remarkable talent, featuring NBA players like Gilgeous-Alexander, Barrett, Brooks, Dwight Powell, Kelly Olynyk, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Lu Dort. However, their journey in the FIBA World Cup is far from over, with a challenging matchup against Slovenia and superstar Luka Dončić looming in the quarterfinals.
Nonetheless, the Canadian team is relishing this momentous achievement. R.J. Barrett expressed his joy, noting that the last time Canada made it to the Olympics, he had just been born. He marveled at the idea that the number nine jersey, worn by his father Rowan Barrett in the past, would now grace the next Olympic team.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Canadian basketball history and sets the stage for an exciting Olympic campaign.

Read Next: Ronald Acuña Jr. Makes MLB History With 30-60 Club Entry In Grand Slam Style

Source: Breacher Report 

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