OKC Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Statement With Canada

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada to a 95-65 blowout win over France in the team's first game of FIBA World Cup group stage play.

Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 27 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals on 9-of-19 shooting. He was a plus-31 in his 27 minutes played, too.

As a team, Canada struggled throughout the first half, yet held a 43-40 lead at halftime. Gilgeous-Alexander was also struggling through the half, finishing with eight points on 2-of-9 shooting.

While Canadian fans aren't particularly aware of this, Thunder fans know that Gilgeous-Alexander and the team were an incredible third-quarter team. This proved to be true, as both Canada and Gilgeous-Alexander found success just after the break.

The 6-foot-6 All-Star scored 13 points in the third frame. For example, France alone scored just eight points. Gilgeous-Alexander propelled the team to the level of play that was needed on both sides of the ball.

This heat check from SGA encapsulates how his third quarter has gone pic.twitter.com/HX6fYEeXgX
— Kade Kimble (@kadekimble) August 25, 2023

After Gilgeous-Alexader's huge third quarter, Canada had jumped to a 68-48 lead, winning the quarter 25-8. This carried into the final frame, as Canada won the quarter 27-17 to finish the win with a final score of 95-65.

"We wanted to come out here, play to our identity, do the right things on the basketball court," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “We didn't start the way we wanted to, we started a little bit slow, but we got it on track pretty fast and it was pretty good the rest of the game.”

The Canadians are one of the most talented teams in the World Cup, littered with NBA talent. Lu Dort is another Thunder member playing in this game.

SGA ➡️ Dort ➡️ Dunk

OKC duo gives Canada the lead:
pic.twitter.com/gAwrZiOLvc
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) August 25, 2023

Having an NBA teammate on the national squad is beneficial for Gilgeous-Alexander, especially when Dort is providing his elite defense on the other side of the ball. Having some level of chemistry and connection with the team from the jump is helpful for the duo.

“We played really good basketball today,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. "...We can beat and play with anyone in the world. We’ve just got to continue getting better and the sky's the limit.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada next take the court on Aug. 27 at 4:30 a.m. CT against Lebanon.

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