Canada’s remarkable 30-point triumph over France, clinching a 95-65 victory, sent a resounding message on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 debut.
Gilgeous-Alexander ignited Canada’s inaugural victory by recording 27 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals while converting 9 of 19 field goal attempts.
Evan Fournier guided France with a top score of 21 points, but most of these, 19 points to be exact, were accrued in the promising first half that ultimately didn’t fully pan out.
“In the second half, our pressure and physicality and when shots started to fall that’s what helped,” said Jordi Fernandez, Canada’s head coach. “It’s only one win and this is a long tournament. We’ve been working really hard and we’re here to show everybody our identity and what we’re built for.”
