LeBron James’ Enticer Keeps His Nation’s Hopes Alive, as Rudy Gobert’s France Finds Canada in Jittery State in 2023 FIBA World Cup

The FIBA World Cup 2023 has begun with a lot of gusto and intensity. All the Group Battles are underway. And the same goes for Group H, where France and Canada are battling it out. The game has seen France take early advantage, but Canada is getting close with each minute. The experience of France is handy considering they have a strong Center Rudy Gobert. Meanwhile, Canada has their own wealth of talent. 

After messing around with LeBron James four months ago, the agitator looks primed to make a powerful statement. How is he faring in the Cup thus far?

A strong start from the nemesis of LeBron James

During the first two minutes, France was up 7-0 and their defense had completely taken away the young squad’s lanes. 

In a set piece, the Canadians finally got something going. They relied upon someone other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled from the floor. 

It was Dillon Brooks who worked the magic. Evan Fournier picked him up around the left corner three-point line.

The Guard steadily dribbled the ball from the left corner to the left wing. His teammate Dwight Powell set a strong screen which stalled Fournier.

Guerschon Yabusele went for a steal, but by then Brooks had used his quick first-step and was heading to the basket.

Rudy Gobert came as a late help, but until then, Brooks had already taken flight.

He ended up dunking it past Gobert and brought a rise out of the fans. The jam by Brooks was huge because it has helped Canada gain parity.

This comes months after he tried to rile up LeBron James and during an interview said, “I don’t care. He’s old”. This was during the Memphis Grizzlies’ series loss to the LA Lakers. For now, his focus is not on the NBA but on FIBA, especially on a powerhouse in France.

At the time of writing, the game has hit half-time and Canada leads France 43-40. After a flailing 14 points first quarter, the team put up 29 in the second one. Kelly Olynyk has 12 while Evan Fournier leads all scorers with 19 points.

What is the outlook for Canada from here on?

What are Team Canada’s chances?

Despite a struggling night by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thus far, the Canadians have kept it close. Kelly Olynyk has been in sizzling form and, despite struggling offensively, Shai has dished gorgeous dimes and pulled great rebounds. Since FIBA’s rules and pace can throw one off, scoring can be sparse. Therefore, Canada will have to prepare for grind-out and low-scoring scenarios.

READ MORE: “You Had 6 Games”: Former All-Star Gives Dillon Brooks a Reality Check for Recent LeBron James Take

Their depth can allow them to do so. With a strong defensive lineup of Shai, Brooks, Dort, Powell, Olynyk, Barrett, and Alexander-Walker, the team has a ton of shooters and divers. France’s defense is stellar with veterans like Nic Batum, Evan Fournier, Yabusele, Gobert, and an impressive bench.

Their next two opponents, Lebanon and Latvia, are tough but they don’t have the talent that France has. Therefore, if the team wins this game, they can end up sweeping Group H.

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