For the first match of the first World Cup of his career, it is an understatement to say that he assured: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave headaches to the defense of the French team this Friday in Jakarta, by compiling 27 points (9/19 on shots), 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in just 27 minutes.
In its wake, the Canada flew over the second half (52-25) and blew up France, completely overwhelmed by the physical intensity and the rise in attacking power of “SGA” and his teammates.
After the match, the star leader of the Thunder therefore logically relished this convincing success for Canadian basketball, without igniting and recalling that nothing is done.
” We still have a lot of work to do, it was only the beginning. But it’s a good start », summarized thus the Canadian star at a press conference. ” I’m not surprised [par la performance de notre équipe]. We played good basketball for a good part of the game. And we know that if we stay true to the identity we’ve been building for the last month, we can play eye to eye with all the teams in the world. »
An even stronger Canada than expected?
A speech that is both serene and measured, shared by his coach.
” We accomplished our first objective, which was to play with high intensity for 40 minutes, and to stick together, whether things go our way or not. And I think the players showed resilience, especially at the start of the game. We didn’t start very well but we stuck together, and in the second half we finally started shooting, and our physical dominance made the difference “, indeed added Jordi Fernandez. ” But it’s only one match and it’s a long tournament. And our guys understand that. So now the most important thing is our second game. »
Then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to assume the confidence in his team and to warn the next adversaries of Canada: this one is only at the beginning of its progression…
” I think we can aim for the title, but I also thought so before the match. We will watch videos, everything was not perfect. It was a good start, but we will continue to progress, there are always progress points, even after a victory. concluded the leader of the Canadian attack.
Next deadlines for Canada? Lebanon on Sunday, then Latvia on Tuesday. The first place in Group H is reaching out to the Canadians…
Photo credit: FIBA
