FIBA World Cup: Knicks' RJ Barrett Scores 22, Group Victory in Canada Comeback

New York Knicks homegrown star RJ Barrett helped pave the path for Team Canada's advancement at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Stanley Cup has proved elusive for Canada's finest over the past three decades. Another kind of Cup, however, might be there for the taking.

New York Knicks homegrown talent RJ Barrett had 22 points in another impressive showing for Team Canada at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, as a 101-75 victory over Latvia clinched Group H on Tuesday in Jakarta. Fifteen of Barrett's points came in the second half as Canada stifled an upset bid against a Latvian group making its maiden World Cup voyage.

Canada's quest to earn its finest World Cup finish to date (placing sixth on two prior occasions) continued to build momentum: already assured of advancement to the second-round pool, the Canadians (3-0) won their group outright after previously handling business against France and Lebanon.

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Likewise assured of advancement, Latvia (2-1) jumped out to a 10-point lead after the opening period, their 23-13 advantage built by five triples (two each from Artūrs Kurucs and Artūrs Žagars). Canada fought back by winning the second frame 30-19, one punctuated with Barrett's buzzer-beating lay-up. 

That two-point tally proved prophetic: Barrett went on to hit 6-of-7 attempts from the field in the second half as Canada's lead jumped as high as 26. Brilliant as Barrett's showing might've been, the headliner was once again Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City), who earned a game-high 27 points. Barrett had a chance to inch closer to the scoring lead but missed all four of his attempts from the foul line.

RJ Barrett vs Latvia highlights. 22 points and 5 rebounds on 9-14 shooting. Canada finishes the group stage 3-0

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One of the big surprises of the tournament thus far, Latvia is likewise guaranteed advancement. Andrejs Gražulis led the team with 16 points in defeat to cap off their debut excursion in World Cup pool play.

Both Canada and Latvia will move on to Group L in second-round pool play. Group G winner and defending World Cup champion Spain has likewise clinched a spot and the trio will be joined by either Brazil or Ivory Coast, depending on the winner of their Wednesday tilt. Barrett and the Canadians will open the second round on Friday against the winner of that game.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags