From villain to killer
Canada displayed a stronger hunger than the United States in the battle for the World Cup bronze. For Badalonese’s selection, Jordi Fernández, this medal — a prize that has grown in significance — marks the first bronze in the country’s entire history. It stands as an excellent acknowledgment of the work put into the championship, including notable victories over France, Spain, and Slovenia led by Doncic. On the other side, Steve Kerr’s United States arrived chasing only gold. Their loss to their northern neighbor in overtime, 118-127, added to the sting of defeat.
The Philippine tournament will likely be remembered unevenly. USA Basketball came in with one mission: reclaim the Championship crown. Yet, in the semifinals, despite most rules pointing toward victory, they fell to Germany. And for the first time since recruiting NBA stars, the team could not even secure a bronze finish in the consolation match. In the four bronze-medal contests they played, bronze had previously belonged to them. To complicate matters, Brandon Ingram, Paolo Banchero, and Jaren Jackson Jr. were sidelined briefly due to illness, according to the Federation.
The unexpected hero of the meeting was Dillon Brooks, whose quiet MVP whispers turned into loud cheers. Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance, especially in overtime with 31 points. Perhaps weary from playing the role of the antagonist throughout the tournament, Brooks shifted the spotlight and became a leading man. Anthony Edwards contributed 24 points in minutes, while Michael Bridges nailed a critical moment with four seconds left in regulation. He made a free throw, missed the subsequent one, grabbed the rebound, and buried a monumental 3-pointer to force overtime. Olynyk attempted six triples in the final ten minutes, but his last try did not drop. The Rockets-bound forward had a chance to seal it for the Grizzlies, and the crowd felt the energy surge through the arena as the final seconds ticked away.
That evening turned into a showcase of transformation. Brooks, once criticized as a defensive specialist whose demeanor rubbed some the wrong way, showed that he could rise to a killer role when needed. The performance became a stunning demonstration of how confidence and opportunity can reshape a player’s reputation on the world stage. His display, paired with Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around excellence, elevated the narrative from a mere loss to a memorable triumph in spirit, even as the scoreboard told a different story.
The first half saw Brooks erupt with scoring, tallying his career-best at 21 by halftime. By the time the night ended, his shooting went 7-of-8 from the field for the six triples, and he left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. The Rockets had recruited him this summer, and his presence was felt across the floor as he brought intensity and energy that the team carried through the match. Memphis Grizzlies fans will remember this summer’s impact on his play, even if the team itself did not come away with the victory.
As the United States entered the second half, the game began to unfold with a familiar surge from Edwards, who carried the burden of rallying his peers. Reaves and Bridges joined in from the perimeter, giving the team a much-needed push. Brooks, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Barrett applied pressure in stretches, turning the game into a fast-paced, NBA-style affair marked by aggressive moves, quick counterattacks, and a sequence of dramatic dunks. The crowd in Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena appreciated the show, recognizing the high level of play from the North American stars.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Edwards, Kessler — top five — Haliburton, Johnson, Portis, Reaves.
Statistics reflected a bold, high-energy game: 10 of 27 triple attempts were made by the United States, 45 rebounds, 15 offensive threats, and 21 assists (led by Haliburton with 7).
Canada: Gilgeous-Alexander led with 31 points, Dort contributed 11, Barrett added 23, Powell chipped in four, with Alexander-Walker, Ejim, Alexander, Oylnyk, and Edey working around the core. The team shot 17 of 37 from beyond the arc, with 40 rebounds and 11 offensive attempts, while Gilgeous-Alexander dished 12 assists to anchor the offense.
Key numbers in the box score showed both teams trading blows down the stretch. Canada tried to pull away with triple threats and late efforts on the boards, while the United States leaned on a mix of perimeter shooting and late-game decision-making. The final tally captured the drama that defined the night: a bronze medal decided on the edge of glory, and a performance that would be remembered long after the final buzzer.
Partial: 25-34; 31-24; 26-33; 29-20; 7-16