After more than a month away from home, the players of the Canadian basketball team can dream more than ever of the goal they set for themselves by heading to the Philippines.
At 4:30 a.m. EST on Friday, Canada will have a chance to advance to the FIBA World Championship final with a win against Serbia.
If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett have taken Canada on their shoulders on the offensive level, the defensive contribution of Montrealer Luguentz Dort and Dillon Brooks is perhaps the main reason that allowed the country to make its way to semi final.
Since the start of the tournament, Brooks and Dort have continually been on the cover of the opposition’s best offensive elements. The controversial Brooks, unloved by the Memphis Grizzlies, is used as a starter, while Dort has come in from the bench since the start of the competition.
“We know what we have to do and we take this task very seriously,” Dort said during Canada’s training on the eve of the duel against the Serbs, who are renowned for their physical play.
“What we are able to bring to this team is incredible. Especially when we are two to bring the same contribution to a high level, added the Montrealer. Dillon is the starter. It is he who sets the tone. When I come from the bench, I have to bring the same intensity as him. We play this way with great pride. »
While Canada’s aggressive play has raised the ire of some teams who had a lot to say to the officials, the Serbs know what to expect after seeing their rivals’ games in recent weeks.
“That’s the mentality of Canada,” admitted Serbian veteran Nikola Milutinov. That’s how he plays. I have to congratulate them for their approach, because they are very good. We have to respond to their aggression and play our best game. »
“We will have to play one of the best games of our lives. We will have to perform offensively and defensively to win the game,” the Serbian center concluded.
This close to the goal, Canadian captain Kelly Olynyk is making sure to stay focused on his task, even if the enthusiasm around the team is growing in the country.
“We’re focused and motivated,” said Olynyk. We have one goal in mind. We block out distractions, lower our heads and race towards the finish line.
2023-09-07 19:33:08
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