In a clash between two of the world’s emerging international basketball powerhouses, Canada made a emphatic statement by blowing out France 95-65 to kick off the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Years in the making, after two plus decades of disappointment all culminated inside a sold out Jakarta, Indonesia Arena as Team Canada fought off an early seven point deficit (7-0) and limited France to 25 second-half points, including seven in the third-quarter to deliver the federations biggest win over a European basketball nation.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Hamilton, Ont.) scored 19 of his game high 27 points in the second-half, including 13 in the third-quarter, as Canada turned a three-point (43-40) halftime lead into a 30-point blowout.
Gilgeous-Alexander contributions extended beyond scoring; he also finished the game as the top rebounder and playmaker with 13 rebounds and 6 assists to notch his first double-double as a member of the senior men’s national program.
Asked how it felt playing his first FIBA World Cup game and if he was surprised by the 30-point victory over France, Gilgeous-Alexander responded.
“I felt good, most importantly we got a dub, we won, did what we came here to do. Still only one game, and we have a lot to accomplish and look forward to, but it’s a good start.”
“Not surprised, we played really good basketball today, we did the right things on both ends of the court for the most part of the game, and we know when we do that, and we play to our identity and the things that we have been preaching for the last month that we can beat and play with anyone in the world. We just got to continue to get better, and the sky is the limit.”
Trailing by seven to start the game, Brooks ignited the Canadian offence with consecutive dunks and back-to-back three pointers by Kelly Olynyk and Nickeil Alexander-Walker capped-off a 14-2 run.
In addition to sparking the offensive rally, Brooks maintained his aggressive and physical play on both ends of the court, amassing 12 points and four rebounds. His remarkable 5-of-6 shooting underscored his significant role and contribution.
Reflecting on his impact, and role on the team, Brooks remarked, “just being a leader, being a vocal presence on the defensive end, just create energy. We started off slow, and I tried to create some energy early on, I told the guys just stick with it.”
Illustrating the significance of the victory, he further emphasized, “very significant, this was the beginning of starting who we are as a country, as a team, putting the world on notice, that we are not playing.”
“We missed a couple of world cups, but you know, we are ready to go, we are ready to play, it’s no joke, and we are playing with that same intensity and that fire every single time we come out on that floor.”
Forced into a smaller lineup as Team Canada captain, Olynyk and starting center Dwight Powell picked-up two early fouls, France replied with a 9-0 run and held Canada scoreless for the last three minutes to lead 18-14 in a low scoring first-quarter.
Sensing a shift in momentum due to Olynyk’s absence, Canadian head coach Jordi Fernandez promptly reinserted the veteran and dynamic center at the start of the second quarter.
With Olynyk back on the floor, Canada stayed calm, fought off a game-high seven point lead by the France and entered the half-time break with a slim, but well-earned 43-40 advantage as Olynyk drained two foul shots.
Olynyk scored seven points during the critical second-quarter and finished the game with an efficient 18 points, four rebounds, two assists on 5-of-9 shooting and 23 minutes.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker bolstered the double-digit scorers, sinking 4-of-8 three-pointers, thereby accruing 12 points, 2 rebounds, and two assists.
Canada outscored France 27-17 in the final quarter to pick up their first win over France since the 1984 Olympics. The French national team also defeated Canada in three previous FIBA World championships, 66-62 in 1954, 79-57 in 1963 and 68-63 in 2010.
Following his first official World Cup win as Canadian head coach, Fernandez was pleased with the victory, “we’ve accomplished our first goal, which was to play hard for 40 minutes and, whether things are good or one way or the other, stay together, and I think the guys showed resiliency.”
“We didn’t start very well, we took good shots, but they didn’t go in, we stayed with it and then in the second-half our pressure, physicality and the shots started to fall, and I think that’s what helped us. But it’s only one win, and this is a long tournament. Our guys understand the importance of playing every single game, so the most important thing now is game two.”
Consistent with their exhibition games, the Canadian team coerced France into committing 17 turnovers, resulting in to 20 points from errors.
Up next, for the Canadians, is Lebanon. The Cedars from lost to 109-70 to Latvia in other Group H action.
