Canada defeated the United States on Sunday 127 to 118 and took bronze at the Basketball World Cup after a very close game that was decided in overtime, and that left Team USA without a medal for the first time since 2002, thanks to outstanding performances by 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 it was, an unexpected duel for bronze between two favourites, the two NBA teams that have already qualified for the Olympic Games, just fought in 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 game of Mall of Asia Arena in Manila (Philippines) for the third place is presented as a perfect ‘bronze’ opportunity for redemption and to launch a warning thought of 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.
Datasheet:
118. United States (25+31+26+29+7): Michal Bridges (19), Jalen Brunson (13), Anthony Edwards (24), Josh Hart (10), Walker Kessler (6) -starting team- Paolo Banchero (-) Tyrese Haliburton (6), Brandon Ingram (-), Cameron Johnson (3), Jaren Jackson Jr. (-), Bobby Portis Jr. (14), Austin Reaves (23).
127. Canada (34+24+33+20+16): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31), Rj Barret (23), Luguentz Dort (11), Dillon Brooks (39), Dwight Powell (4) -equipo inicial-, Kelly Olynyk (11), Kyle Alexander (-), Nickeil Alexander -Walker (5), Zach Edey (0), Phil Scrubb (0), Melvin Ejim (3), Trae Bell-Haynes (-).
