Coming off a brilliant performance in the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks did much of the same for Canada in Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
Brooks had 14 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes, shooting 5-of-7 (71.4% FG) overall and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%). Defensively, Brooks made life very difficult for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who shot 8-of-20 from the field (40%) as Canada downed Slovenia to advance to the semifinals, 100-89 (box score).
Naturally, there was also some extracurricular activity. Brooks often blew kisses to a booing crowd in Manila, and with Canada holding a large fourth-quarter lead, he picked up a second technical foul for taunting and was ejected. Shortly thereafter, Doncic was ejected for picking up his own second technical, seemingly agitated by Brooks.
“A lot of people don’t like him, but I respect him for what he does, and he does that stuff really good,” Doncic said postgame of Brooks.
With the win, Canada advanced to the World Cup semifinals, where a matchup versus Serbia looms on Friday.
Read on for highlights, analysis, interviews, and social media reaction to Brooks’ strong showing versus Doncic and Slovenia.