Canada out to spoil ‘Luka Magic’

After dethroning Spain, Canada now looks to spoil the much-anticipated Philippine debut game of Luka Doncic and the rest of the Slovenian men's basketball team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Slovenia’s Luka Doncic (right) dribbles the ball during the FIBA Basketball World Cup group K match between Slovenia and Australia at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa on September 1, 2023. AFP PHOTO

Their confidence skyrocketing through the roof after eking out an 88-85 win over the Spaniards in Jakarta last Sunday, the Canadians battle the Slovenians in the main event of a twin-bill knockout quarterfinal games on Wednesday, September 6.

Game is set at 8:30 p.m., succeeding the contest between Germany and Latvia at 4:45 p.m.

Reaching their first quartefinal since the the 1994 World Cup when they were the hosts, the Canadians look to play the villain and spoiler roles against Slovenia led by easily the biggest NBA superstar this world meet has in Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

No one from the Canadian team, which topped Group L with a 4-1 slate, can personify that polarizing and villainous role than Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies, who thrives through hustle and defense.

Brooks had a game to remember against Spain last Sunday, pumping in 22 points and providing that energy for Canada to slay the erstwhile champ Spain.

“”Dillon he helped take us home. It was one of those special moments,” said Canada coach Jordi Fernandez of Brooks' performance last Sunday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expanded what his coach said about Brooks.

“It was special. One for the books. He's a leader. He does the right things on the basketball floor. He plays with the right energy,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Brooks.

“Obviously, he's a guy you always want on your team. Things haven't been going his way the whole tournament, but he's always doing the right things for the team. He was rewarded tonight by the basketball gods. He was big that 4th quarter, made shots, played defense like he usually does. He was ready for the moment big time.”

More likely, the 6-foot-5 Brooks is set to be tasked on containing the 6-foot-7 and fan favorite Doncic, who has been nothing but superb in this World Cup.

Doncic and Slovenia, who finished second in Group K with a 4-1 slate, look to rebound from a tough 71-100 defeat to Germany in the second round last Sunday in Okinawa.

“It's a tough loss, tough to digest, but if we're gonna learn from this loss and be motivated from this loss, we can get something from this,” said Slovenia head coach Aleksander Sekulic.

“This is how we have to look forward to the Quarter-Finals. I believe in these guys. We just need to stay on track with the game plan for 40 minutes.”