Canada made history by defeating USA 127-118 in overtime to secure the third place at the FIBA World Cup 2023, their best ever finish at the tournament. Their previous best result was sixth place. USA, on the other hand, settled for fourth place. Moreover, this was the first time that Canada beat USA in an international competition, creating another milestone.
Both teams had many NBA players on their rosters, and some fans jokingly called them USA's second and third teams. This game was a matter of pride for both sides, as they wanted to end their campaign on a high note. USA had lost to Serbia in the semifinals, while Canada had lost to France by nine points, missing their first chance to reach the final. But by making it to the top four, they had already achieved their best ever performance at the World Cup.
The game started with Canada shooting hot from beyond the arc, quickly establishing a double-digit lead and ending the first quarter 34-25. USA fought back in the second quarter, unleashing a 13-2 run to take the lead. The two teams exchanged baskets for the rest of the half, and Canada entered the break with a two-point advantage.
In the second half, Canada regained control and led 91-82 after three quarters. But USA rallied in the fourth quarter, and tied the game at 94 with a three-pointer from Haliburton. The final minutes of regulation were intense, and Brooks stepped up for Canada. He hit a three-pointer to give Canada the edge, and then secured rebounds and free throws to help his team lead by four with 4.2 seconds left.
USA refused to give up, and Bridges made a miraculous play. He made his first free throw, missed his second on purpose, grabbed his own rebound, dribbled out to the three-point line and nailed it, sending the game to overtime. In the extra period, Alexander scored seven straight points to give Canada the upper hand, and USA could not respond. Canada prevailed in the end.
The game went to overtime, and USA must have been nervous, as they had lost Ingram, Van Kero and Jackson Jr. due to illness before the game. With three minutes left in overtime, Hart fouled out. The script was written like this: USA trailed throughout overtime, and with 36 seconds left, Boris was ejected from the game. Canada won and claimed third place. Dillon led all scorers with 39 points, making seven out of eight three-pointers. What a performance! The fans chanted MVP for him. Congratulations to Canada for winning bronze and achieving their best ever result.
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