True North Upset: Knicks' Barrett Helps Canada Stifle Spain in World Cup Prep
Fresh off a comeback victory over the Germans, one could only imagine what RJ Barrett and Canada's men's national basketball team would be able to do for an equally impressive encore as they continue their exhibition slate in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Canadians provided a stellar answer on Thursday, earning an 85-80 overtime triumph over defending World Cup champion Spain in Granada. Barrett, the New York Knicks' homegrown franchise face, couldn't replicate his 13-of-14 sniping from the win over Germany, he nonetheless had 18 points on a 6-of-11 outing from the field, including a perfect 3-of-3 in the extra session.
Armed with the services of NBA stars like Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City), and Dillon Brooks (Memphis), Canada continues to put up strong efforts in its preparation slate. The big win came after the Road Warriors were dealt with a crushing roster blow, as it was announced that defending NBA champion Jamal Murray (Denver) would not partake in the World Cup.
In Thursday's win, Barrett was the second-leading scorer for Canada, trailing only the 22 that Gilgeous-Alexander tallied. Dwight Powell (Dallas) earned a double-double with 12 -points and assists each, a pair of his final points coming off an assist from Barrett that gave Canada a lasting five-point lead.
Juancho Hernangomez led the Spaniards with 12 points in defeat while Usman Garuba (Oklahoma City) had 10 points and eight rebounds. Spain was victimized by a prominent North American Knick for the second straight exhibition, as they were previously the victims of Jalen Brunson's 9-of-9 showing for the United States on Sunday in Malaga.
Now 3-1 in World Cup exhibition play, Canada is bursting with momentum as it tries to surpass its best World Cup posting of sixth, accomplished twice on 14 visits to the tournament. They'll partake in Group H, which will be staged in Jakarta, alongside France, Latvia, and Lebanon.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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