Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received huge praise from Dillon Brooks, his heated NBA playoff rival, for his leadership and poise on the floor.

What happened?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Team Canada to a 110-84 win against Puerto Rico, scoring 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

Dillon Brooks, who defended Gilgeous-Alexander throughout their NBA playoff series, lauded his composure and knowledge of the game.

Why it matters for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander is the captain of Team Canada, and his performance is crucial to the team's success in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2027.

Team Canada's head coach, Gordie Herbert, called Gilgeous-Alexander a national treasure, praising his leadership and work ethic.

What comes next?

Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to play more off the ball, which could open up the game for him and the team.

This new role will be a stark contrast to his role with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he is the engine of the team's offense.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been a highly revered figure in Canadian basketball, leading the country to its first-ever medal in the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

He then led Team Canada to the 2024 Paris Olympics, qualifying for the first time since 2000.

With Gilgeous-Alexander in tow, Team Canada is expected to be a juggernaut in the international basketball scene for years to come.

The team is composed of numerous NBA players, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Andrew Nembhard, and Ryan Nembhard.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Brooks are named co-captains for Team Canada, putting their NBA playoff rivalry aside as they work together towards a common goal.

The FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2027 will be a great opportunity for Gilgeous-Alexander to showcase his skills and lead Team Canada to victory.

As the team's leader, Gilgeous-Alexander will be counted on to perform at a high level and make key plays when it matters most.

With his impressive performance against Puerto Rico, Gilgeous-Alexander is off to a great start in the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from Gilgeous-Alexander and Team Canada.