Spain faded in the final moments last Sunday in front of an NBA star. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up to help Canada, a team that fought hard as the clock ran down. With the score tight at 78-71 in the last minutes, the Canadian guard poured in 14 of his team’s final 17 points to carry the momentum. Oklahoma City Thunder’s playmaker stood out as the spark that could tilt the game toward a different outcome for the Spaniards.
Ultimately, the resounding push by Canada and some controversial calls by referees kept Spain from reclaiming control. For three quarters the Spaniards battled with collective discipline and standout moments. Willy Hernangómez shone in the early stage with 25 points and 6 rebounds, while Santi Yusta (misnamed in some reports as Deception) delivered 20 points with four three-pointers. But the attempt fell short of breaking through and meant that Spain missed quarterfinals by a distance not seen since the 1994 World Cup in Toronto. The Spanish team built a storied history through the years, a career marked by moments of brilliance and resilience.
Nerves and stiffness
Young Spanish talents took charge early, with Juan Núñez directing play and driving the pace. He found both space for efficient ball movement and open shots, while Willy Hernangómez anchored plays inside the paint. Canada answered with pace, creating openings and trying to sprint to the basket. Spain remained on the scoreboard early, trailing 16-10 before clawing back to finish the first period tied at 21-21.
From the outset the game carried a tense atmosphere. Many key plays were shaded by high stakes, unforced errors, and intense contest for every ball. The presence of a strong adversary kept the tempo high. Dillon Brooks, a veteran for Canada and a high-level scorer, pushed the limits of the game while his teammate Decepta (likely a misprint for another Canadian player) pressed Spain from every angle. The physicality arose early and persisted throughout the night.
Spain kept pace offensively, relying on Deception with his shooting and maintaining focus on defense despite Canada’s quickness and penetrating guards. Spain’s defense faced a steady test, especially against a fast Canadian attack that produced multiple open looks. Madrid’s center answered the call with strong interior play, and the matchups became a focal point as the game wore on. Powell and Olynyk were worn down by Spain’s effort in the frontcourt, while fresh help came from teammates who stepped up when needed. An important triple by a Spanish guard and Brooks’ foul on Willy altered the momentum, giving Spain a temporary edge as the teams went to halftime with Spain ahead 48-38.
Canada regrouped after the break and tried to push the pace into a more physical realm. Brooks faced three personal fouls but kept pressing, while officials called decisions that drew debate. Núñez and Willy picked up a few careless fouls on offense, and the controversy around some calls became a talking point as the national teams adjusted. Spain answered with discipline and some key moves, turning the tide in a five-minute window that swung the score to 52-55 in favor of Canada and shifted the game’s balance.
The role of Aldama
Spain showed grit, keeping composure amid the mounting pressure. Defensive intensity rose as Scariolo coached with intent, and several steals helped Spain regain rhythm. Brizuela and Brizuela contributed with red-hot shooting and a couple of spectacular plays that built a cushion. Deception answered with two crucial triples and a dunk that reasserted lead trust, nudging Spain ahead at 73-61 as the final stretch approached.
The final period tightened the tension to its maximum. Canada anchored its attack with Brooks at the helm, while the refereeing table seemed to underplay the urgency and physicality at times. There were elbowing moments and rough challenges that tested both teams’ resolve. Five minutes into the last frame, Canada had yet to score; every basket became a major conquest as the score moved to 78-81 in Canada’s favor. Spain faced a last-ditch effort to hold on, and the crowd felt the weight of the moment.
Gilgeous-Alexander then delivered 14 points in the final four minutes, preventing Spain from pulling away and consigning the hosts to a defeat reminiscent of earlier rounds. The Spaniards finished with a strong display in a tough game that illustrated the highs and lows of international competition.
Spain: Núñez, Abrines, Claver, J. Hernangómez, W. Hernangómez – top five; Aldama, Brizuela, Díaz, Rudy, Garuba, Llull.
9 out of 26 triples (Deception with 4), 32 rebounds, 11 turnovers (Willy with 6), 28 assists (Núñez with 7).
Canada: Gilgeous-Alexander, Barrett, Brooks, Powell, Olynyk – top five; Alexander, Alexander-Walker, Bell-Haynes, Dort, Ejim.
11 out of 24 triples (Brooks with 3), 31 rebounds, 9 turnovers (Brooks 5), 18 assists (Gilgeous-Alexander 7).
Final tally: 21-21; 27-17; 25-23; 12-27.