In search of a bronze medal, no less than… 87 years after his last podium in a major international competition, the Canada to do this will have to get rid of Team USA in the “small final” of this world Cup.
Obviously, the main danger on the Canadian side for the American selection will be called Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderone of the favorites for the tournament MVP title (23.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.9 interceptions).
In NBA basketball as in FIBA basketball, “SGA” is a player who can hardly be stopped or slowed down and Tyrese Haliburton, who does not discover it today, was invited to talk about what makes him makes it so special in the game.
“ The rhythm he plays on is just incredible “, judge the leader of the United States, among those who will be called upon to defend him this Sunday morning (10:30 a.m.). “ You could say he’s slow, but Luka [Doncic] behaves like that too, and it’s not something we’re used to. Generally the guys play with more pace, but the older guys are able to change pace at any time. »
The change of rhythm in the skin
An analysis that is shared elsewhere Luguentz Dortrather relevant when it comes to talking about defense, as a teammate of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the NBA but also in the selection…
“ It’s his change of pace », He indicates firstly, when in turn discussing the strength of “SGA” in attack. “ But it’s also the way he is explosive, the way he creates distance from his defender to rise and shoot, the way he handles the ball and the way he creates for himself. There is so much more than [le changement de rythme]. »
Then this same Luguentz Dort insisted on the offensive genius of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “ I see it every day. It’s hard to understand what he’s doing. He’s just good, and that’s how he works to get to this level. It’s not just its change of pace, it’s so much more than that. »
Cousin of “SGA”, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is also well placed to talk about all the mastery in attack of the “franchise player” of the Thunder.
“ In tense situations and as a key player, defenders focus on you and how to stop you », Explains “NAW” (10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists). “ He does an excellent job of properly handling each situation as it presents itself. He’s learning from the game and he’s been able to apply everything he’s learned in every game. He remained hungry, aggressive, himself. He let the game come to him. It’s all the little things you see in the beginnings of a great player. »
With 110 then 113 points conceded in its defeats against Lithuania and Germany, Team USA therefore has every interest in raising its tone in defense, in order not to suffer another card from Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | LAKE | 82 | 27 | 47.6 | 36.7 | 80.0 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 10.8 |
| 2019-20 | OKAY | 70 | 35 | 47.1 | 34.7 | 80.7 | 0.7 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 19.0 |
| 2020-21 | OKAY | 35 | 34 | 50.8 | 41.8 | 80.8 | 0.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 23.7 |
| 2021-22 | OKAY | 56 | 35 | 45.3 | 30.0 | 81.0 | 0.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 24.5 |
| 2022-23 | OKAY | 68 | 36 | 51.0 | 34.5 | 90.5 | 0.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 31.4 |
| Total | 311 | 33 | 48.4 | 34.7 | 84.5 | 0.7 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 21.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
