Canada continues to look the part of a legitimate contender at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and versatile Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks continues to be one of the big reasons why.
Brooks is one of a handful of established NBA players on Canada’s roster, with others including Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; New York’s RJ Barrett; Utah’s Kelly Olynyk; Minnesota’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker; and Dwight Powell of Dallas.
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On Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia, none of those big names played major minutes as Canada cruised to a 128-73 win (box score). Two days after crushing France in an unexpected blowout, Canada built on that momentum and didn’t take a lesser opponent for granted.
One reason for that was Brooks, who is setting a tone with tenacious wing defense, energy, and leadership. In just over 20 minutes played, Brooks had 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals on 4-of-5 shooting (80.0%), including a perfect 2-of-2 on 3-pointers. Most notably, in those limited minutes, Canada was +32 with Brooks on the floor.
Here’s a look at some of Brooks’ highlights, along with reaction to his play from media members and fans watching the game.
Dillon Brooks’ totals through 2 group stage games with Canada: (46 minutes)
22 PTS
4 REB
4 AST
3 STL
+/- +659/11 FG ????
3/4 3PT ????
1/2 FT
4 TOV pic.twitter.com/MceOWw9B00— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) August 27, 2023
Team Canada got up a DOMINATING performance in the #2023FIBAWorldCup 128-73 win vs. Team Lebanon ????
RJ Barret: 17 PTS, 7-of-12 FG, 3-of-6 3PT
Kelly Olynyk: 12 PTS, 5-of-6 FG, 8 REB, 5 AST
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 12 PTS, 5 REB, 5-of-8 FG
Dillon Brooks: 10 PTS, 4-of-5 FG pic.twitter.com/lR7GAbvizr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 27, 2023
Dillon Brooks Today in Canada’s World Cup Game:
10 points
(4-5 FG, 2-2 3P)
3 assists
3 steals
+32 in 20 minutesGonna be a impact player for this Rockets Teams ???????? pic.twitter.com/IIJIp3B4Jh
— Clutch City Entertainment (@ClutchCityENTX) August 27, 2023
Canada is officially through to the second round at the FIBA World Cup!
France is eliminated with their loss tonight.
The final game of pool play, with Canada v. Latvia will decide the group winner. Big one, Tuesday morning at 9:30 am ET, @Sportsnet
No Porzingis for Latvia
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) August 27, 2023
Dillon Brooks has been phenomenal is his role with the SMNT
Elite defense at the POA, great shot selection and efficient scoring (he’s shooting 9-for-11 through first 2 games).
Can Ball fans’ prayers have been answered. https://t.co/pAwzjNpKBk pic.twitter.com/jUGkQmjx3I
— Jonathan Chen (@jonathancchenn) August 27, 2023
Dillon Brooks has been Canada’s 2nd best player through the exhibitions/tourney.
— Doculus ???????? (@AlprenSENDGOONS) August 27, 2023
I’m so happy that Dillon Brooks is having the summer he’s having, he’s been phenomenal for Canada.
Not playing out of his role offensively, knocking down the open shots he does grt, locking everyone and their mama up defensively.
— i. adan (@Imman_Adan) August 27, 2023
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