'He's First-Team For A Reason!' Thunder Star Shai-Gilgeous Alexander Earns Team USA Praise

Sunday night featured the bronze medal game between Canada and the United States in the FIBA World Cup, where Canada narrowly came out on top in overtime 127-118.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, paired alongside 12 assists and six rebounds. He led his team to its first World Cup medal in Team Canada history.

Fellow Thunder teammate Luguentz Dort also contributed in an important way, scoring 11 points and showing up on the defensive end.

Team USA coach Steve Kerr and forward Mikal Bridges had high praise for Gilgeous-Alexander following the game.

"He's nice man," Bridges said. "He's first-team [All-NBA] for a reason."

Steve Kerr & Mikal Bridges talking about guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

“He’s nice man” - Mikal Bridges

“We tried everything” - Steve Kerr pic.twitter.com/6M6tG4xoKf
— TF (@ThunderFocus) September 10, 2023

Bridges had the responsibility to guard Gilgeous-Alexander for most of the game, and even though the Brooklyn Nets forward is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, he struggled containing him.

One highlight from the game came against Austin Reaves and Bridges, with Bridges opting to help double Gilgeous-Alexander. However, a quick step back 3-pointer from the guard shook Bridges completely, making him fall to the floor.

Shai, oh my lord. 😳#FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/E7yYfpiDlp
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023

Kerr said while Bridges had the assignment, "We tried everything. When we doubled him Brooks was making threes, when we didn't he was making his pull-ups, so give those guys credit, they both played great".

"Trying everything" included sending doubles, with the goal to make it more difficult for Gilgeous-Alexander to create space and have an open shot.

The weapons Canada had make it difficult for the doubles to be effective, as Brooks scored an unlikely 39 points, as well as RJ Barrett pitching in 23.

Team USA going without a medal was certainly a disappointment for the all of the players and coaches involved, but Canada was more than a worthy opponent to fall to, especially with talent like Gilgeous-Alexander.

Want to join the discussion? Find us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind our coverage.