Gilgeous-Alexander powers Canada past Dominican Republic in World Cup qualifier
CBC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drilled a silky smooth three-pointer late in the third quarter Friday, and then flashed three fingers to the delighted crowd.
In his first national team appearance in six years, and first game in his hometown since high school, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard scored 15 of his 32 points in a dominant third quarter, leading Canada to a 95-75 victory over the Dominican Republic in World Cup qualifying.
"We won. That's most important. But it was a fun night, a fun night for sure," said the 23-year-old, who arrived at the arena in a Hockey Canada jersey.
Kelly Olynyk scored 17 points and hauled in 11 rebounds for Canada. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is Gilgeous-Alexander's cousin, also had 17 points in front of about 6,000 fans at FirstOntario Centre.
"It's fun to get back out here, especially in front of fans on home soil. You don't get that opportunity every day," said 31-year-old Olynyk.
"This group of guys, young guys especially, I feel like I'm the oldest guy out here now. They've got a lot of talent, a lot of skill, and it's fun to be out there."
WATCH l Gilgeous-Alexander guides Canada to dominant World Cup qualifier win:
Gilgeous-Alexander, who hadn't played since mid-March due to a lingering ankle injury, scored the first points of the night on a left-handed dunk.
"I surprised myself a little bit. I never had a left-hand dunk in my career," he said, grinning. "That was a good way to start, good way to start for sure. . . but probably won't happen again."
His contributions, which also included five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a pair of blocks, earned high praise from his teammates.
"He's up there with the best of them for sure," said Olynyk, who made his national team debut in 2010.
"It's a privilege to play with a guy like that. We've had a lot of them coming through this program now. He's not alone. It's fun to play with him, fun to watch, fun to witness."
Victor Liz scored 12 points for the Dominican Republic.
The third of six windows marks coach Nick Nurse's first gathering of his summer "core" of players, including four NBA players who started Friday.
