Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dismisses Idea of One-on-One Battle With Luka Doncic

Team Canada versus Team Slovenia is quickly turning into one of the most anticipated FIBA matchups yet.

Plenty has been made about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic squaring off in FIBA match play this week — and rightfully so. The two players are arguably the most high profile athletes the event has to offer and the game itself has high stakes. When the lights are bright, both SGA and Doncic always show up and put on a show, which is what fans can expect come Wednesday.

Gilgeous-Alexander, however, is much more interested in the overall team matchup than the individual matchup against the Mavericks superstar. At this point in FIBA, it’ll take the whole team to win — no matter how good Gilgeous-Alexander performs individually.

"No, it's a Canada vs. Slovenia game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said when asked about a Shai versus Luka battle. “I'm trying to do anything to win that game.”

Asked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander if tomorrow's quarterfinal game between Canada and Slovenia will be a "Shai vs. Luka" duel.

"No, it's a Canada vs. Slovenia game. I'm trying to do anything to win that game", SGA said. #FIBAWC #Canada #ThunderUp @SportalgrG pic.twitter.com/hAH4fDw2iy
— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) September 5, 2023

Against Brazil, Canada scored just 65 points as a team. Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 23 points alone, while Lu Dort added 17 of his own. Oklahoma City’s backcourt combined for 40 of the team's 65 points, shooting the ball at a combined 48.2% clip. The rest of the team sat at an abysmal 20.5%.

The team responded the very next game, knocking off Spain on a game-winning shot from Gilgeous-Alexander. Once again, he led Team Canada with 30 points, seven assists and four rebounds on 58% shooting.

It’ll take the entire squad to slow down Doncic and a Slovenian squad that plays solid team basketball. Team Slovenia already knocked off Josh Giddey and company, despite a big individual outing from the Aussie point guard.

“We need to play to our identity,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Play fast, play aggressive defensively, cut hard offensively. Share the ball. Be the aggressors on both ends of the floor, if we do that, I think we’ll be alright.

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