(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Team Canada had a definitive win against France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday and it was mostly thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Not only did Gilgeous-Alexander help his team score a strong 95-65 win, but he also made World Cup history.
According to HoopsHype, only three players have put up at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the World Cup since NBA players were admitted.
Yao Ming did it in 2002, Bogdan Bogdanovic did it in 2019, and Gilgeous-Alexander did it on Friday morning.
Only three players have put up at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a World Cup game since it has NBA players.
Yao Ming in 2002
Bogdan Bogdanovic in 2019
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander TODAY
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 25, 2023
With his 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, Gilgeous-Alexander was easily the best player on one of the best teams in the tournament.
People have been expecting big things from Team Canada for months now.
The team has multiple big names, such as Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, RJ Barrett, and others.
They are in their best position in years and have a legitimate chance of going far in the tournament and perhaps winning it all.
If they do, it’ll be because Gilgeous-Alexander keeps having big games like this one.
Most teams need a leader at the center of it all to really make it far.
Gilgeous-Alexander is unquestionably taking on that role.
After their huge win over France, the Canadian national team is now ready to face off against Lebanon on August 27 and then Latvia on August 29.
If they make it out of the group phase, they will be considered one of the most fearsome teams moving forward.
How many more historic games can Gilgeous-Alexander have in this World Cup?
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