FIBA World Cup: Knicks' Barrett Struggles, Canada Falls to Brazil
Woe, Canada.
Canada's men's basketball program saw its undefeated streak at the FIBA Basketball World Cup came to an end on Friday with the True North's stars falling to a Brazil by a 69-65 final to open second-round pool play in Jakarta.
Like fellow North American New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Friday was a trying day for Barrett, who sank just 1-of-8 from the field en route to only four points. But while the red, white, and blue duo was lifted by teammates off the bench, Barrett's red group endured a team-wide power outrage that potentially derails a magic run in Indonesia.
As a team, Canada (3-1) shot 33 percent (21-of-63) from the field, a number that plummets to 20.5 percent (7-of-34) if the united efforts of Oklahoma City Thunder duo Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort were removed. By shooting 14-of-29, Gilgeous-Alexander (23 points) and Dort (17) were responsible for 40 of Canada's 65 points.
Canada quietly extended its undefeated streak as long as it could, holding the upstart Brazillians in check, even by forcing only nine turnovers. Bruno Caboclo stole the show in the end, as the 2014 first-round pick of Toronto's posted a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that served as the headliner of the upset. Caboclo scored eight in the final period, including the two free throws that put Brazil (3-1) ahead for good.
Gui Santos, the only active Brazilian with an active NBA connection (attached to the Golden State Warriors' G League affiliate in Santa Cruz), sealed the deal with a streaking lay-up off an inbounds pass from Georginho de Paula. Barrett hit his only shot of the game shortly after, a three-pointer that served only to partly beautify the final score.
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Brazil is seeking its first podium finish at the World Cup since 1978 as well as just its third top-eight finish over its last invites.
Canada's own quest for a top-eight finish (which would be its first since hosting the 1994 tournament in Toronto) has now hit a major snag even though, as it stands, Canada serves as the Group L leader with all four teams posting a 3-1 record thanks to a plus-111 point differential. The second-round quartet posted some of the most unexpected results of the tournament on Friday, as defending World Cup champion Spain dropped a 74-69 to Latvia, who finished in the runner-up slot behind Canada in each side's preliminary group.
Four win-or-go-home scenarios are now presented on Sunday in Jakarta: with Canada facing Spain in the latter slot (9:30 a.m. ET, ESPN+). Thanks to in part to an 18-point showing from Barrett, Team Canada previously earned an 85-80 exhibition decision in overtime leading up to the World Cup just over two weeks prior.
