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Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored eight points off the bench Friday night as Canada routed Puerto Rico 110-84 in a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers game, improving the host country's record in Group B to 5-0.
Alexander-Walker's outing came in his first international window since agreeing to a four-year, $62 million sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks last July, a move that preceded a breakout season in which he averaged 20.8 points per game, up from 9.4 the year before — the third-largest single-season scoring jump by a player in the last 25 years. The surge earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player award and included a career-high 41-point game against the Orlando Magic on March 16.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker's cousin and a two-time NBA MVP, led all scorers with 26 points on 9 of 14 shooting from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, adding three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Andrew Nembhard scored 23 points on 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point range, adding four rebounds and four assists, and Dillon Brooks scored 15 points in 22 minutes. Alexander-Walker was part of a reserve group with Kyshawn George, Leonard Miller and Ryan Nembhard that helped Canada shoot 64.8 percent from the field and make 46 baskets, tying the Americas Qualifiers record for field goals in a game.
Alexander-Walker also fed Miller for a basket in the closing seconds of the first half, part of a 29-assist, 11-turnover effort that helped Canada outscore Puerto Rico 60-34 in the paint and take a 56-38 lead into halftime.
"It was super fun out there for sure," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who grew up in Hamilton and played in front of a hometown crowd.
Alexander-Walker, who committed to Canada Basketball in 2022 and helped the program win its first World Cup medal in 2023, said his decision to play in this window came down to loyalty to the program despite a long NBA season that included his first career playoff appearance.
“It’s about commitment,” said Alexander-Walker. “I’m committed to playing but also playing at home and playing in front of the home crowd.”
Atlanta lost to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in six games in the first round of the playoffs, though Alexander-Walker had 17 points and four assists in his playoff debut, a 113-102 loss in Game 1.
Canada closes out the qualifying window Monday against Jamaica, also at TD Coliseum, before opening the second round of Americas qualifying Aug. 31 in Quebec City.
Hawks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hawks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
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Alexander-Walker's outing came in his first international window since agreeing to a four-year, $62 million sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks last July, a move that preceded a breakout season in which he averaged 20.8 points per game, up from 9.4 the year before — the third-largest single-season scoring jump by a player in the last 25 years. The surge earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player award and included a career-high 41-point game against the Orlando Magic on March 16.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker's cousin and a two-time NBA MVP, led all scorers with 26 points on 9 of 14 shooting from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, adding three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Andrew Nembhard scored 23 points on 5 of 7 shooting from 3-point range, adding four rebounds and four assists, and Dillon Brooks scored 15 points in 22 minutes. Alexander-Walker was part of a reserve group with Kyshawn George, Leonard Miller and Ryan Nembhard that helped Canada shoot 64.8 percent from the field and make 46 baskets, tying the Americas Qualifiers record for field goals in a game.
Alexander-Walker also fed Miller for a basket in the closing seconds of the first half, part of a 29-assist, 11-turnover effort that helped Canada outscore Puerto Rico 60-34 in the paint and take a 56-38 lead into halftime.
"It was super fun out there for sure," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who grew up in Hamilton and played in front of a hometown crowd.
Alexander-Walker, who committed to Canada Basketball in 2022 and helped the program win its first World Cup medal in 2023, said his decision to play in this window came down to loyalty to the program despite a long NBA season that included his first career playoff appearance.
“It’s about commitment,” said Alexander-Walker. “I’m committed to playing but also playing at home and playing in front of the home crowd.”
Atlanta lost to the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in six games in the first round of the playoffs, though Alexander-Walker had 17 points and four assists in his playoff debut, a 113-102 loss in Game 1.
Canada closes out the qualifying window Monday against Jamaica, also at TD Coliseum, before opening the second round of Americas qualifying Aug. 31 in Quebec City.
Hawks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hawks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
