After an outstanding performance in Sunday’s 2023 FIBA World Cup elimination game versus top-ranked Spain, Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks drew considerable praise for his play in Canada’s win.
In postgame comments, Brooks said he felt like it was the best game of his basketball career, given what was at stake for his team.
Over the days since, that effusive praise for Brooks has extended to his prominent NBA teammates on Canada’s World Cup roster.
Courtesy of Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops.net, we have reaction from Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York’s RJ Barrett to what Brooks has pulled off in recent games.
Gilgeous-Alexander said:
Special. One for the books, He’s a leader. He does the right things on the basketball floor. He plays with the right energy. He was rewarded tonight.
Barrett chimed in:
Not surprised. He’s been doing that his whole life. For him to have a game like that was huge.
Brooks has seemingly found the World Cup experience refreshing, which comes after his recent NBA move from Memphis to Houston.
“Coming off a tough year with my old squad (the Grizzlies) it was great having a refresh with Canadian blood,” Brooks said, per Eurohoops.net. “Guys who believe in me. Guys who trust in me. It was great to win this game in a great fashion.”
Read on for highlights, as well as additional interviews and analysis.