In their exhibition finale, Canada lost to the Dominican Republic, 94-88. Canada essentially used this game as a resting opportunity with several key starters only playing limited first-half minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to just 13 first-half minutes, where he had six points on 2-of-6 shooting, two assists and two rebounds. Due to him playing heavy minutes in the first four exhibition games and this being the second day of a back-to-back, Canada elected to pseudo-rest their star guard.
Lu Dort, on the other hand, had a busy night. In 16 minutes off the bench, he finished with 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting, five rebounds and two assists. He shot 1-of-6 from 3.
Exhibitions are now over. The next time Canada plays, it’ll be for the 2023 FIBA World Cup — which kicks off on Aug. 25.
Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Canada’s six-point exhibition loss to the Dominican Republic.
pregame with Shai
🇨🇦🆚🇩🇴 coming up
💻: https://t.co/Hq1wmHoStx…#FIBAWC | #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/XIpGGPl7KO
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 18, 2023
Lu Dort with a strong take, but more importantly, a smooth finish at the rim: pic.twitter.com/cHEIrIX9HK
— Ross Lovelace (@Rosslovelace) August 18, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drills a triple to give Canada a four point lead in the first quarter.
He’s been quick to fire away from long distance during FIBA thus far: pic.twitter.com/5iHqAzQFpb
— Ross Lovelace (@Rosslovelace) August 18, 2023
End of 1Q: Dominican Republic 27, Canada 26
SGA – 3 points on 1/4 shooting, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Dort – 2 points on 1/2 shooting
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 18, 2023
The drives from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are just so smooth. pic.twitter.com/2fugvpJUAT
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) August 18, 2023
HALF: Dominican Republic 48, Canada 47
SGA – 6 points on 2/6 shooting, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Dort – 2 points on 1/4 shooting, 1 rebound
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 18, 2023
Where else are you going to see Lu Dort pull the chair on a charge attempt and it leads to a 3 from Nickeil Alexander-Walker pic.twitter.com/igtat64hCa
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) August 18, 2023
End of 3Q: Canada 66, Dominican Republic 66
SGA – 6 points on 2/6 shooting, 2 assists, 2 rebounds
Dort – 7 points on 3/7 shooting, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 18, 2023
Canada's exhibition schedule comes to a close in Granada.
Lu Dort leads the way with 13 points, while Trae Bell-Haynes finishes with 12 of his own.#FIBAWC | #OneTeam pic.twitter.com/ur2RLI8TXP
— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) August 18, 2023