Canada stopped the United States on Sunday (127-118) and took bronze at the Basketball World Cup, after a very close game that was decided in overtime, and left ‘Team USA’ without a medal for the first time since 2002, thanks to the outstanding performances of Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Many are betting on a final between the United States and Canada. Some say that only one of them will make it to the big title match. There are some who think that they will give the scene that a game of this caliber represents the fight for medals. But that was it, an unexpected battle for the bronze between the two favorites, the two NBA teams that, already qualified for the Olympic Games, just fought a very tight battle for the honor of victory.
Because the two defeats in the semifinals, against Serbia and Germany, were a disaster considering the level of the two teams. The match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila (Philippines) for third place was presented as a perfect ‘bronze’ opportunity for redemption and to send a warning thought to an Olympic key.
And it is Canada that, not without suffering, was able to redeem itself and take the honor of third place after a fight against the power of the world in this sport. He was also the first to send the message to the attention of his continental colleagues.
In particular, Dillon Brooks finished the first half with some stellar marks (21 points and 5/5 on triples) and led the first quarter with two baskets to make it 0-5. Canada’s dominance, taking advantage of a sleepy United States, turned into a +10 advantage (13-23) with four minutes remaining, which angered Steve Kerr on the bench of ‘Team USA’, who his face was a blur at the start. yours.
But despite the reprimands, the ‘Dream Team’ could not stop the movement of Canada by Jordi Fernández, quickly, accurately and effectively making it 25-34 at the end of the first quarter, with the United States, of course, starting to show . in the game.
Kerr’s half-time speech in the locker room certainly resonated with the players as the United States came out determined to fight. A 12-0 run (19-2 counting at the end of the first quarter as well) got it back to 40-36. The United States is already there. The game started again by exchanging blows that ended with a tight score of 56-58. The only thing that could not stop the Americans in the beginning was the scoring recital of Dillon Brooks, who added a new triple, the sixth of his personal tally.
Although shortly after that, at the end of the third quarter, Canada once again found the seams of the United States in defense and, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the controls, showed superiority and left quality details in every possession, Canada once again signed a double digits advantage (80-91) to face some comfort in the last quarter, which everyone will decide.
But the United States is not ready to leave the game like that. He was not ready to make ‘another surprise’ and, as he did in the second quarter, he composed himself strongly, using a 7-0 run that made it 91-94. Canada began to feel the ropes and the United States more lightly.
Haliburton’s three-pointer extended the set to 10-0 and tied it at 94. Edwards joined the party and made a basket to increase the lead to 12-0 and 96-94. The return was completed in less than five minutes. Canada, which did not stop much, was able to stop the bleeding with a rebound from Dort that added two comforting points (96-96).
With four minutes to go, it was tied at 100. Parity at its highest. Every mistake is punished, every success is a hit on the table that can be decisive. Brooks’ seventh triple (105-106). Edwards responded with a powerful drive to the basket. Once again Brooks (39 points) tied with a free throw (107-107), after the first failed. Less than a minute later, Alexander-Gilgeous rose to put the Canadians ahead with a move that, although he practiced throughout the World Cup, seemed indefensible (107-110).
At that time, with the score at 108-111, when it seemed that the United States had no hope, when Bridges seemed to miss a free throw, got his own rebound, went to the three-point line and tied the game, left. 0.6 on the clock ( 111-111). Olynyk tried from distance, but the game went to overtime. Five minutes all or nothing for bronze.
Canada started again better and in both they had a six-point advantage (112-118), where Shai released (31 points), smiling after his baskets, knowing that he was chosen this time. A six point lead that Canada, this time, did not let go. Rj Barret’s triple confirmed the victory (118-127). Canada comforted the ever-feared ‘Team USA’ and ended the World Cup with a bronze medal. The United States, for the first time in 21 years, precisely since their World Cup in 2002, was left without a medal.
