After trailing by double digits, Canada completed the 12-point comeback against Germany in a 113-112 overtime win on Sunday.
The exhibition win was the finale of the 2023 SuperCup. The mini-tournament was part of Canada’s friendly schedule as it prepares for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which kicks off on Aug. 25.
Canada outscored Germany, 23-14, in the fourth quarter to force overtime after entering the final frame trailing by nine points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett led Canada; they combined to score 56 points.
After a slow first half, Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual dominant self in the second half and overtime. 20 of his 25 points came after the halftime break. In 34 minutes, he finished with 25 points on 8-of-22 shooting, eight rebounds and six assists. The 25-year-old went to the free-throw line at will, shooting 9-of-10.
While he was phenomenal on the offensive side, Gilgeous-Alexander arguably had his best play on the defensive side when he forced Germany to take a highly-contested deep 3-pointer that missed to force overtime.
Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder teammate also played a vital role off the bench. Lu Dort was part of Canada’s closing lineup despite coming off the bench. In 33 minutes, he finished with nine points on 2-of-6 shooting and six rebounds.
Germany was led by former Thunder guard Dennis Schroder, who had 26 points on 6-of-10 shooting and eight assists in 25 minutes before he fouled out in the fourth quarter.
The one-point win allowed Canada to avenge its loss to Germany in its first matchup on Aug. 9.
The full box for Team Canada can be viewed below:
Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Canada’s one-point OT win led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s strong second half.