The final few stages of the 2023 FIBA World Cup have been extremely nail-biting, to say the least. It’s during these final moments that teams start kicking it up a notch to win the gold. Initially, Team USA had an outstanding run to the top, giving themselves the best odds to win the championship this year. Other teams like Lithuania, Slovenia, and Canada also showed great signs of winning it all.
Unfortunately, Team USA’s journey to the tournament’s finals came to an end against Germany during the semifinals. Germany did a great job of mimicking plays and responding to the United States’ schemes. The scores remained fairly close throughout the game except when Germany took off during the fourth quarter. Team USA did not have enough time to respond to Germany’s lead thus concluding at 111-113.
As for Team USA’s upcoming opponent for third place, Canada also had an amazing stint. They were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had the fifth-best scoring average in the tournament. Their only loss came against Brazil during the second round of the group stages. However, they shot for the stars against Spain and Slovenia to crack the semifinals. Canada faced an upset against Serbia, thus losing out on the finals.
Team USA is favored to win over Canada to win the match for third place
Team USA and Canada have both got equal chances of taking home the bronze medal. The United States entered the tournament with a mission to redeem themselves from their 2019 FIBA World Cup stint. They have a great group of players led by Anthony Edwards, who has been averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. It goes without saying that Team USA will not go down without a fight.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a weapon in disguise of a human. He had outstanding games offensively, against Spain and Slovenia. Dillon Brooks will play a key role on defense for the team as well. However, he will have to stay out of foul trouble or avoid getting ejected. It was clear against Slovenia that Brooks played a crucial part on the court.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went OFF in Canada’s 88-85 W vs. Spain 🇨🇦
🔥 30 PTS
🔥 7 AST
🔥 4 REB
🔥 3 STL pic.twitter.com/0fZsXFiiLj— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 3, 2023
Team USA Starting Lineup:
- Anthony Edwards
- Mikal Bridges
- Jalen Brunson
- Josh Hart
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
Team Canada Starting Lineup:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Dillon Brooks
- RJ Barrett
- Dwight Powell
- Kelly Olynyk
In this game, Team USA is favored to win against Canada for the 2023 FIBA World Cup match for third place. The United States simply has greater firepower when compared to Canada. The game will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines on September 9, 2023. Tip-off will commence at 2:40 AM (PT) and fans can watch the game live on Courtside 1891, ESPN+ as well as other services under ESPN.
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