For the first time in history, the Stars and Stripes are unable to reach the podium for two world championships in a row. Recall that in 2019 at the World Championships in China, the Americans finished only seventh.
The third place match between two North American teams was the highlight of the tournament. The game developed like a swing. The Canadians dominated the first and third quarters, while the United States dominated the second and fourth.
The Maple Leaves were very close to finishing everything in regulation time. 4.2 seconds before the siren sounded, with a score of 111:107 in favor of Canada, American Mikal Bridges stepped into the free throw line. He made one attempt, deliberately missed the second and, being on the rebound himself, launched a three-pointer after a reverse, sure!
However, in overtime, Canada did not allow its opponent to return to the game, winning an additional five-minute period 16:7. It should be noted that the Canadians only two players surpassed the mark of 30 points scored. These are Dillon Brooks (39) and Shay Gilges-Alexander (31), who scored a double-double adding 12 assists to his points.
For the first time in history, the Maple Leafs won medals at the World Championships. And, like the United States, Canada qualified for the men’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
