Against all odds, Canada Basketball found a way to get it done.
For years the story of Canada Basketball was one of heartbreak and gut-wrenching moments. The loss vs Venezuela in 2015, the Satoranský banked game winner in 2021, it seemed every time Canada had an opportunity to get it done, something went wrong.
But the breakthrough moment came with Canada and Spain knotted at 80 with under a minute to go. Jordi ran a flat high PnR, with Brooks (who was absolutely fantastic in the 2nd half as the secondary primary creator) and SGA, giving the Thunder guard as much space to operate as possible. Shai went to his go-to move, using his otherworldly deceleration to step back and hit a long midrange jumper at the top. 82-80 Canada.
In the ensuing defensive possession, Canada’s aggressive switch everything defense rose to the occasion. Of course, it was non other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s long arms that deflected an errant pass, giving Canada the ball once again. When we needed it most, SGA produced an incredible two-way sequence of possessions.
A clash with Luka Doncic’s Slovenia is next for Canada. But for today, enjoy, this Canada. God knows, we deserve it.
