Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Team Canada over Argentina

Former ‘Cats playing summer basketball, eh? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suited up for his home country, Canada, on Thursday night and once again dominated on the world stage. Team Canada bested Argentina 99-87 in the second round of the FIBA Qualifiers. With the win, Canada improved to 7-0 since SGA rejoined the team for the first time in six years and converted Canada from a FIBA farce into a FIBA force.

On Thursday, the former Kentucky and current Oklahoma City star led his team with 23 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. This stuffed stat sheet included shooting 3-6 from behind the arc, highlighted by a deep one from the maple leaf logo at midcourt.

🇨🇦 @shaiglalex from the Maple Leaf!

Sinks the 3! #FIBAWC | #WinForCanada | @canbball |

📺 https://t.co/4Q4fptEy1E pic.twitter.com/CJoYxM97i1

— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2022

After the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attributed the team’s win to their assertiveness on the court. He said, “We were aggressive tonight and that’s why we came out on top.”

With the win over a formidable Argentine squad, Canada is on their way to qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The country hasn’t qualified for the Olympics since 2000. Once they regain the services of another Kentucky great, Jamal Murray, their ceiling will be that much higher. Murray is coming off a major knee injury but targeting a big comeback this NBA season.

Team Canada will continue the second round of FIBA Qualifiers on Monday night against Panama in Panama City, however, there is a high probability they will be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sportsnet out of Canada suggested SGA will most likely sit out for the rest of summer. This news is far from surprising as it comes less than 24 hours removed from Chet Holmgren’s season-ending injury suffered in a charity game.

Watch SGA go aboot his business against Argentina: