Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues impressive run in FIBA World Cup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bucked a slow start, flipped the switch in the second half, and lifted Canada past Germany 113-112 in overtime.

Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 points, on 8-of-22 shooting, alongside eight rebounds and six assists to recover from an early struggle and help lead the Canadians to victory.

“With a guy like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he certainly gets whatever shot he wanted,” said Germany’s head coach Gordon Herbert.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate for Team Canada in FIBA World Cup.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not score until his 18th minute of action, finishing the first half with only five points on 1-of-8 shooting.

Once the Canadians adjusted their offensive spacing, Gilgeous-Alexander made up for his poor start, capitalizing on the newfound, unclogged lanes to create some scoring spark as Canada continued to lurk behind the Germans most of the way.

RJ Barrett was the top scorer for Team Canada with 31 points on a highly efficient 13-of-14 shooting from the floor to create an offensively potent backcourt with the OKC Thunder superstar throughout the matchup. Barrett knotted the score at 101 in regulation via a left-handed layup that forced the overtime.

In extra time, Team Canada found themselves stepping on the gas first, swelling their lead to five before Team Germany attempted a rally, ultimately unable to mount the comeback.

After a superb defensive stand in the waning seconds, highlighted by a Kelly Olynyk block that sealed the victory, Olynyk added 21 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three.

The game also saw OKC Thunder wing Lu Dort play extended minutes for Canada, providing his usual defensive expertise while contributing nine points and six rebounds.

Former OKC Thunder guard Dennis Schroder led the charge for the Germans with 26 points and eight assists, but his brilliance was cut short when Dort checked in to disrupt his strides before eventually fouling out at the midway point of the fourth quarter,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be impressive in the exhibition matches as Team Canada prepares for the FIBA World Cup tournament, where some consider them the favorites led by the max contract point guard.