Tag: FIBA

PHOTOS: Dillon Brooks duels Luka Doncic as Canada advances to World Cup semifinals

“A lot of people don’t like him, but I respect him for what he does, and he does that stuff really good,” Luka Doncic said of his World Cup matchup with Dillon Brooks.

Basketball fans around the globe enjoyed the full Dillon Brooks experience during Wednesday’s 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals matchup in Manila between Canada and Slovenia.

Brooks, who will play for the Houston Rockets in the 2023-24 NBA season, 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 difficult for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who shot just 8-of-20 from the field (40.0%) 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 [Brooks] does that stuff really good,” Doncic said postgame.

With the win, Canada advanced to the World Cup semifinals, where a matchup versus Serbia awaits on Friday.

In photos, here’s a look back at Wednesday’s activity. Highlights, analysis, interviews, and postgame reaction are available here.

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Dillon Brooks excels before ejection as Canada routs Slovenia, reaches World Cup semifinals

#Rockets forward Dillon Brooks had another strong game versus Slovenia as Canada advanced to the World Cup semifinals. He also made headlines with a late ejection.

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.

On the growth of the FIBA World Cup and international basketball

Though there are no current Celtics in the World Cup, there’s several alumni still standing to root for.

There may be no active Boston Celtics in the 2023 FIBA World Cup after Oshae Brissett, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis elected to sit out the international tourney. That does not mean there aren’t plenty of other international players, including some former Boston players, suiting up to try to win it.

To discuss the health of the international hoops scene and the FIBA tournament on their eponymous “Bob Ryan, Jeff Goodman, and Gary Tanguay” podcast, the CLNS Media analysts convened recently.

From the strength of USA Basketball vs. the field to the international players’ current impact on the NBA, this pod is wire-to-wire focused on how the game has grown beyond the borders of the NBA’s traditional haunts.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear it.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Dillon Brooks steps up as Canada rallies past Spain, stays alive at World Cup

With 22 points (66.7% FG) and strong defense, #Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was a clear standout as Canada rallied past Spain to advance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Despite trailing most of the way in an elimination game for both sides, Canada played its way into the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals with Sunday’s 84-80 win (box score) over Spain.

Perhaps the biggest reason was Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, who had a massive impact on both ends of the court as Canada rallied to a thrilling victory in Jakarta, Indonesia. The win also clinched a spot for Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will mark their first men’s basketball appearance since 2000.

Brooks finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 27 minutes, shooting 8-of-12 from the field (66.7%) and 3-of-3 on 3-pointers. The Canadians were plus-13 in those minutes, best of any player on the floor, in a statement win over FIBA’s top-ranked team.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with 30 points and 7 assists, while former NBA player Willy Hernangomez was strong in defeat with 25 points and 6 rebounds for Spain.

Read on for a compilation of highlights and social media observations from Brooks’ superb performance in Sunday’s game. The eight-team quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Brooks and Canada set to face off against Luka Doncic and Slovenia.

Former Rockets big Donatas Motiejunas helps Lithuania shock USA

With Jonas Valančiūnas in foul trouble, former #Rockets big man Donatas Motiejunas played a key role Sunday as Lithuania upset Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Former Houston Rockets big man Donatas Motiejunas hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2018-19 season, but the 32-year-old remains an active professional basketball player in Europe.

At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA and its cast of NBA players learned Motiejunas can still compete at their level.

In Lithuania’s shocking 110-104 upset (box score) of the Americans, Motiejunas played a key role. With New Orleans Pelicans star Jonas Valančiūnas limited by foul trouble, the seven-footer took on an expanded frontcourt role and seized the opportunity.

Motiejunas finished with 9 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, and the Lithuanians were plus-7 in his 21 minutes played.

Because Sunday’s game was the first U.S. loss, and it came in the second round, the Americans aren’t eliminated. Lithuania improved to 5-0 on the tournament, while Team USA is 4-1. Both will play in the eight-team quarterfinals on Tuesday and Wednesday.

But for Motiejunas, even if the stakes weren’t quite “win or go home,” it was clearly an opportunity to make a statement. He delivered.

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Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis on why he traveled with the Latvian National Team to the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Porzingis is actively engaged in day-to-day team activities and aims to provide insights on NBA players to help the team.

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Star Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis was slated to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup for the Latvian National Team before a foot injury sidelined him. He explained his decision to travel with Latvia to the World Cup even though he will not play.

The 7-foot-3 center expressed his desire to support his national team, spend time with Latvian teammates and be close to his family. Despite not participating, Porzingis is actively engaged in day-to-day team activities and aims to provide insights on NBA players to help the team, drawing from his experiences in the league and emphasizing positive energy for the upcoming games.

To hear more from the man himself via a talk with the folks at Eurohoops, check out the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and eight other breakout players at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Here are nine of the biggest breakthroughs from the first round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

While the 2023 FIBA World Cup does not feature the same star power as the Olympics, there are still plenty of quality players competing. As always, there are also emerging stars who take advantage of the spotlight to showcase their skills at the highest level. Here are nine of the biggest breakthroughs from the first round of the tournament:

PHOTOS: Dillon Brooks sparks Canada’s historic success at 2023 FIBA World Cup

With Tuesday’s win, Canada clinched first place in its men’s basketball World Cup group for the first time ever. #Rockets forward Dillon Brooks has played a key role.

After two dominant wins versus France and Lebanon followed by Tuesday’s 101-75 victory over Latvia (box score), Canada has dreams of a title push at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. With the latest win, the Canadians clinched first place in Group H and advanced to the tournament’s second round for the first time since 1998.

As a standout defender, versatile Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks continues to bring energy and leadership to Canada’s squad as it looks to achieve unprecedented World Cup success. On Tuesday, Brooks had 6 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals as the starter at small forward. The Canadians were +12 in his 23 minutes played.

Brooks is among a handful of established NBA players on Canada’s roster, with others including Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; New York’s RJ Barrett; Utah’s Kelly Olynyk; Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker; and Dwight Powell of Dallas.

To this point, Canada has played its matches in Jakarta, Indonesia. Scroll on for a look at Brooks’ top World Cup photos to date.

Rockets legend Yao Ming leads FIBA Hall of Fame’s 2023 induction class

As part of the 2023 induction class, #Rockets legend Yao Ming was recently honored with a spot in the FIBA Hall of Fame.

In 2016, legendary Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2023, the 7-foot-5 big man was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame to honor a career that had a dramatic impact on basketball in Yao’s native country of China and throughout the world.

The FIBA Hall of Fame honors players, coaches, teams, referees, and administrators who have greatly contributed to international competitive basketball. It was established by FIBA in 1991.

Yao, who began his professional career with China’s Shanghai Sharks, played in a range of international competitions, including three Olympic Games and two world championships.

Success in those settings paved the way for Yao to join the NBA. He was drafted No. 1 overall by the Rockets in 2002. In eight seasons in Houston (2002-2010), Yao averaged 19 points (52.4% FG), 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game.

Ultimately, his career was tragically cut short by various foot injuries. Yet, because of his on-court brilliance over that limited time and a unique personal story, Yao made a lasting impact.

Here’s a look at Yao’s induction speech. In all, 12 players were inducted as part of this year’s class, which was announced as part of activities surrounding the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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