Tag: World Cup

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.

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

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=590969556]

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.

Dillon Brooks efficient again as Canada blasts Lebanon at World Cup

Canada routed Lebanon in Sunday’s FIBA World Cup action, and the Canadians were +32 in the 20-plus minutes that #Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was on the floor.

Canada continues to look the part of a legitimate contender at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and versatile Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks continues to be one of the big reasons.

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

On Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia, none of those big names played major minutes as Canada cruised, 128-73 (box score). Two days after crushing France in an unexpected blowout, Canada built on that momentum and didn’t take a lesser opponent for granted.

One reason was Brooks, who is setting a tone with tenacious wing defense, energy and leadership. In just over 20 minutes played, Brooks had 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals on 4-of-5 shooting (80%), including a perfect 2-of-2 on 3-pointers. Most notably, in those limited minutes, Canada was plus-32 with Brooks on the floor.

Here’s a look at some of Brooks’ highlights, along with reaction to his play from media members and fans watching the game.