FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Alexander-Walker and Dort Lead Canada Past Argentina with 51 Combined Points

Quebec City Homecoming Sparks Dort and Alexander-Walker

The matchup carried deep personal significance for Luguentz Dort. Born in Quebec City, the forward played in front of family members and fans who watched him grow up. Dort celebrated the occasion by pouring in 25 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, including a 4-of-9 clip from beyond the arc, alongside two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

“Nickeil is one of my best friends. We played on the same high school team and I’ve played against him my whole life,” Dort said after the game, describing his relationship with his partner. “When I got the call, I was very happy. He has helped me throughout the whole transition. I’m grateful to have him on my team now.”

Alexander-Walker set the offensive pace for the Canadian side with 26 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. The tandem’s performance underscored a busy offseason that saw Dort join the Atlanta Hawks after spending seven years with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Alexander-Walker arrives in Atlanta following a campaign where he averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player honors.

Standings Implications and Record-Setting Shooting

Despite keeping their unblemished record intact at 8-0, Canada was prevented from officially clinching qualification for the tournament in Qatar on Monday night due to the Bahamas securing a victory over Panama. That outcome pushes Canada’s qualification to the next window in November.

Argentina fell to 6-2 in the qualifiers despite a shooting display from point guard Nicolás Laprovíttola. The playmaker tallied 31 points, highlighted by an 8-of-12 night from three-point range. Laprovíttola’s eight made triples tied the record for most three-pointers in a single game in the Americas Qualifiers, matching previous marks set by the United States’ John Jenkins and Canada’s Kassius Robertson.

Supporting contributions bolstered Canada’s narrow win down the stretch. Mfiondu Kabengele recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Marcus Carr orchestrated the offense with 14 points and eight assists, and Kelly Olynyk chipped in 11 points.

Roster Management and Next Steps for Canada Basketball

Canada Basketball general manager Rowan Barrett assembled a squad designed to balance inside players and outside players for the window. Speaking ahead of the qualifiers, Barrett explained the complex logistics behind managing a pool of over 50 committed athletes that must balance professional contracts, training camp schedules, and physical recoveries.

“We have multiple players injured. Some you know, some you don’t know,” Barrett noted regarding player availability during the summer windows. “There are many, many different things we manage before putting together a roster, not to mention just life. Our guys are getting older. They’re full adults now, married with children.”

The national team program utilized an approach that permitted several established NBA stars—such as two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Phoenix Suns standout Dillon Brooks—to skip the travel demands of the opening road leg in Panama City after fulfilling program commitments earlier in the summer. Meanwhile, Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe was forced to miss the window entirely after suffering a meniscus tear that required a six-month recovery timeline.

With Window 4 concluded, Canada turns its attention to the final stages of the qualification cycle. The three best teams in each of the two remaining groups, alongside the best overall fourth-place team, will secure direct entry to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.