Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made sure his FIBA World Cup debut was a memorable one after recording a near triple-double in Canada’s convincing 95-65 win over France at the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Friday night (25 August).
The NBA All-Star took control of the contest in the third quarter as Canada put the clamps on France, outscoring them 25-8 in the period.
Reigning Olympic silver medallists France had a promising start to the game and led 18-14 after the first quarter, but Canada showed why they are considered to be an outside contender to win the World Cup as they responded with a 29-point second quarter before blowing the contest open in the third.
As impressive as Canada’s offensive firepower was (57 percent shooting from the field), it was their defensive ferocity that caught the eye.
The Road Warriors harried and harrased France all night, forcing them into 17 turnovers which Canada duly converted into 20 points.
Canada next face Lebanon on Sunday afternoon, while France take on Latvia.
