Kofi Inkoom
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 featured a thrilling Quarter-Finals showdown between two of the tournament’s standout players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, captivating fans with their exceptional skills and keeping them in suspense throughout the game.
With 18 lead changes in the first half alone, the game was a rollercoaster of excitement. Ultimately, Canada emerged victorious, defeating Slovenia 100-89 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
The game got off to a breathtaking start, with both Canada and Slovenia trading blows.
The first half saw an astounding 18 lead changes, highlighting the intense competition on the court.
Both teams reached the 50-point mark in just 20 minutes, setting the stage for a high-paced battle.
To counter the matchup hunting between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both teams adopted a small-ball strategy, with no traditional big men on the court.
Luka vs Shai step-back three competition. NEED.#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/EGQneI0qbr
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
This tactical shift added to the excitement as players showcased their versatility and agility in this fast-paced showdown.
Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernandez, must have delivered an inspiring halftime speech because Canada shifted into high gear after the break.
RJ Barrett’s outstanding performance, including 13 points in the third quarter, and Dillon Brooks’ crucial three-pointer, helped Canada gain a seven-point lead early in the second half.
R.J. Barrett (24 PTS, 9 REB) came up big today in Canada’s W 💪 🇨🇦
The Canadians are semifinal’s bound for the first time! #FIBAWC | #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/3stUIxCnY4
— NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2023
One of the key factors that secured Canada’s victory was their stellar defense in the second half.
Slovenia struggled to find a way back into the game due to Canada’s relentless defensive efforts, preventing them from narrowing the gap.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved once again why he’s considered a superstar.
He scored 31 points on efficient shooting (8-of-12), grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and recorded 2 steals.
This remarkable performance earned him the TCL Player of the Game title.
While the MVP race featured the headline stars, Canada’s supporting cast also played a crucial role in the victory.
Players like RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all scored in double digits, showcasing Canada’s depth and teamwork.
With this win, Canada reached their first Semi-Final in World Cup history, marking a significant achievement for the team and their fans.
It was a momentous day for Canadian basketball.
Despite the loss, Luka Doncic had an impressive performance, scoring 26 points in just 29 minutes. Klemen Prepelic also stood out with 22 points.
Luka goes to work against Dillon Brooks 😤#FIBAWC x #WinForSlovenia 🇸🇮 pic.twitter.com/rCfKGDxt3o
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2023
These two Slovenian stars showed their resilience and skill throughout the game.
Both teams favored a running game, but Canada outpaced Slovenia in fast break points, leading 23-7.
This strategic advantage negated Slovenia’s three-point shooting prowess, as Canada limited their opponents to just one more three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
Canada’s victory set up a highly anticipated Semi-Final clash with Serbia, promising another thrilling basketball spectacle.
Meanwhile, Slovenia would move to Classification Games 5-8, where they would continue their journey in the tournament.