France lasted until Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was wanted. The Canadian leader, one of the stars of the Basketball World Cup, He led his team’s massive victory this Friday (95-65)based on an overwhelming second period.

The NBA’s fourth-highest scorer led his team, led by Spaniard Jordi Fernández, in second place in group H, in which Latvia fulfilled the scenario and beat Lebanon 109-70. The French will play their future in the tournament in an all-to-nothing match against the Baltic countries this Sunday.

Shai finished best of the match with impressive statistics: 27 points, 13 rebounds (including 11 defensive) and six assists..

High tension meeting

A meeting under high tension, the most anticipated of this opening day of the World Cup, to which those of group G of Spain and Brazil were also particularly attentive, Well, they will come across the group of French and Canadians.

The European team, Olympic and European vice-champion and third in the last World Cup against a North American team made up of seven NBA players, led by Shai, leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder and one of the stars of the championship. Some ingredients for a clash of titans which did not disappoint in the first period.

Aware of his deficiencies in defensive play and a certain tendency to lose easy balls, The French team took it very seriously with maximum physical intensity. Evan Fournier multiplied in defense and attack during the first two quarters.

Fournier stands out in France

The Knicks forward finished the first act as top scorer (19) in a score where France led the way in the first quarter. and that finished the second just three points below (40-43). It seemed like he was gone.

Until Shai wakes up. After scoring eight points in the first half, he doubled those stats in just four and a half minutes of the third quarter. The Canadian number 2 took advantage of France’s physical decline to lead the batsman.

The Thunder leader’s recital was so intimidating that Fernández gave him a rest in the last 5 minutes, when the gap against the French was around 30 points. points. Shai’s Canada presented their references.