IN one of the games of the tournament, Canada claimed bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup after outlasting the United States in overtime.

It was arguably the most anticipated matchup of the tournament, although it came a few hours earlier than expected with both teams stunned in the semi-finals on Friday night. The United States fell to eventual gold medalists Germany, while Canada was bested by Serbia. However, a podium finish was still up for grabs in the penultimate game of the tournament.

Canada broke away early in the match, rallying behind some strong play from the likes of Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as it took a double-digit lead to overwhelm the United States. However, Team USA went on a remarkable 19-2 run, showcasing what they are truly capable of if finally in sync offensively.

The United States chipped away at the lead gradually, as a number of NBA stars went head to head in a clinical display of exciting, high-tempo basketball. By the time the main break rolled around, Canada’s lead was down to two points in a contest that was looking more and more likely to go down to the wire.

The Canadians got back on top in the third, riding the performance of Brooks, who produced one of the more remarkable offensive showings of his career at any level. Although Team USA created some good looks, they could not get the defensive stops to slow down the opposition, and headed into the final change down by nine points.

As expected, the United States produced an almighty push in the final term, which made life difficult for Canada and the game interesting. Trailing by four points with just seconds remaining on the clock, Mikal Bridges was fouled and sent to the free throw line.

He sank the first shot to bring the margin down to three, before producing the play of the tournament. Bridges intentionally missed the second, chased down the offensive rebound before dribbling out to the corner and heaving up a three-pointer to tie the game and send the match to overtime, which he did.

Team USA was on a serious high heading into the extra period, but it was Canada that got the game’s momentum back. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a stunning ankle-breaker and three-pointer to get his side out to an even bigger lead, before he and Brooks pushed Canada to a bronze medal as Team USA’s offence fell behind when it mattered most.

Brooks capped off an impressive defensive campaign with an offensive explosion, producing a whopping 39 points with 12/18 shooting from the field and 7/8 shooting from three, earning Player of the Match honours. Gilgeous-Alexander was impressive as well, delivering another 30-piece to finish with 31 of his own as Canada claimed its first ever medal at the World Cup.

Anthony Edwards delivered another impressive performance with a team-high 24 points, while Austin Reaves was not far behind with 23 of his own.