Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada's comeback by scoring or assisting on 14 straight points in the final two minutes.
It’s arguably the biggest win in the history of Canada’s national team, especially if it results in a medal. Canada shook off all its historical demons in FIBA play with this win, simultaneously qualifying for both the FIBA quarterfinals and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Advancing in first place out of their group despite a loss to the now-eliminated Brazil, Canada will play Slovenia in a quarterfinal on Wednesday. If they win, they will face the winner of Lithuania and Serbia in the semifinals; Canada and the U.S. cannot meet until the final.How big is this win for the Canadian program?
Massive. For about 12 years, or three Olympic cycles, Canada’s raw talent has been obvious. Starting with the 2011 NBA Draft in which Tristan Thompson and were first-round picks, no other country, aside from the United States, has sent players into the best league in the world at a higher rate. It just has not translated into getting to the Olympics.Whether it was because of missing important players or just a lack of experience, Canada lost to teams they were more talented than in huge moments: Venezuela in 2015, Czechia in 2021 and Brazil on Friday.
Thanks to a few standout performances, they can now bury the past and get to the business of trying to play up to their potential, knowing that the first goal has been accomplished.
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