2023 FIBA World Cup

World Cup Standouts Day 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifts Canada to quarters

Take a look at the players who stood out the most during FIBA World Cup play on Sept. 2.

From NBA.com News Services

Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards had his highest-scoring game of the tournament, pouring in 35 points in Team USA’s loss to Lithuania.

Sunday’s action was filled with important matchups that helped set the quarterfinals at the FIBA World Cup. Canada, Latvia, Italy and Serbia grabbed the final quarterfinal spots on Day 10 of the FIBA World Cup, while Lithuania pulled off the biggest upset of the day, handing Team USA its first loss of the summer.

Here’s a look at who stood out during the final group play action of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada

In a must-win matchup with Spain, Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up in the 88-85 win that powered Canada to the quarterfinals and clinched a bid in the Olympics as well. Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals as Canada rallied from 12 points down in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Thunder guard was just 7-for-12 from the field (with two 3s), but got to the line 16 times, knocking down 14 to impose his will on the Spaniards. Dillon Brooks added 22 points, while RJ Barrett chipped in 16 for Canada, who advances to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994.

Dennis Schroder, Germany

Germany stayed perfect in Group play, and Schroder remains the biggest reason. In a point guard matchup with Luka Doncic, Schroder got the last laugh, leading Germany to a 100-71 win over Slovenia. Schroder had 24 points and 10 assists and was efficient from the field (8-for-11, 4-for-7 on 3s) in the blowout win. Germany will face Latvia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic, Slovenia

Slovenia already knew it had a quarterfinal berth locked up entering Sunday’s matchup, but Doncic still put up decent numbers. In 30 minutes of action, the Mavs’ point guard tallied 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals. Doncic was just 2-for-11 from 3-point land in the 100-71 loss to Germany. Slovenia will face Canada in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania

In a game with little on the line for either team (once the US found out it had qualified for the Olympics), Lithuania sent a message to the Americans with a resounding 110-104 win in the second round of Group play, Team USA’s first loss of the summer. Valanciunas was key to the victory, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds and a pair of blocks. Lithuania was led by Vaidas Kariniauskas (15 points) and Mindaugas Kuzminskas (14 pts). They will face Serbia in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Anthony Edwards, USA

In a game that only affected tournament seeding, Edwards did his part in the Americans’ 110-104 loss to Lithuania. Edwards had his highest-scoring game of the World Cup, pouring in 35 points on 14-for-26 shooting. The Wolves guard was 5-for-13 from 3-point land and also had three steals on defense. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges added 14 points apiece for the Americans, who clinched a berth in the Paris Olympics midway through the game with Serbia’s win over the Dominican Republic. Team USA will face Italy in the quartefinals on Tuesday.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia

Bogdan Bogdanovic led six players scoring in double-digits with 20 points as Serbia blew out the Dominican Republic 112-79 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Hawks’ sharpshooter was perfect from the floor (7-for-7, 3-for-3 on 3s), missing just one of his four free throw attempts. Serbia finished 4-1 in group play and will face Lithuania on Tuesday in the quarterfinals. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and seven rebounds to lead the Dominicans, who were eliminated with the loss.

Patty Mills, Dante Exum, Josh Giddey, Australia

Australia finished its FIBA World Cup run on Sunday, but they finished on a high note with a 100-84 win over Georgia. The Australians got big performances from their NBA stars, led by Patty Mills, who finished with 19 points and five assists. Dante Exum, who joined the Mavericks in the offseason, added 18 points and four assists while Thunder swingman Josh Giddey had 15 points and four assists.

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