Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, including 13 points in the fourth quarter, to lead Canada to an 88-85 victory over Spain on Sunday and a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Facing elimination, Canada trailed Spain by 12 points entering the fourth quarter. Sensing the moment, Gilgeous-Alexander took over and single-handedly outscored Spain by himself. Canada held Spain to 12 points in the quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 points in the final 1 minute and 51 seconds of the game, including a clutch step-back shot to give Canada the lead for good. He went 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, including 7-of-7 down the stretch.
MVP chants for a reason! 🗣️
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved to be the deciding factor for Canada, earning TCL Player Of The Game honors in the process! 🇨🇦
đź“Š 30 PTS | 7 AST | 4 REB | 3 STL#FIBAWCÂ x #WinForCANADA |Â #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/wwrdZI6wgx
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 3, 2023
Dillon Brooks produced 22 points, five rebounds and two assists to help lead Canada. He hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game up at 80 points apiece with 1 minute, 19 seconds left to play. RJ Barrett added 16 points, and Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk each had six points.
The victory ensured Canada will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2000. The team claimed its berth after finishing as one of the top two countries from the Americas region, along with the United States, thanks to losses by Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Canada returns to the quarterfinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time since 1994 after finishing with a 4-1 record in Group L. Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. will face Luka Doncic and Slovenia on Wednesday (8:30 a.m. EDT).
The Canadians have the second-best odds of winning at plus-500.
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