After struggling against Germany in their first exhibition game, Team Canada bounced back with a strong showing against New Zealand in a 107-76 win.
This was Canada’s second friendly as they continue to prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which is set to kick off on Aug. 25.
It appears Canada will go as far as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will take them. After an eight-point outing last time, he bounced back with a much stronger performance of 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting, three assists and six steals in 19 minutes.
Off the bench, Lu Dort had 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting and two steals in 19 minutes.
Canada quickly set the tone of this game as they entered halftime with a lopsided 67-38 lead. A 39-14 second-quarter scoring advantage helped put this game out of reach.
Canada’s full box score from their win over New Zealand can be viewed below:
Let’s look at the instant reactions and highlights of Canada’s 31-point exhibition win and Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominating performance on both sides of the court.