Canada moved closer to qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup after Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luguentz Dort powered the team past Argentina 97-92.
Alexander-Walker led Canada with 26 points while adding five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block. Dort was right behind him with 25 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and hitting four three-pointers.
The result improved Canada to 8-0, leaving it as the only undefeated team in the Americas Qualifiers. Canada could not officially secure its World Cup berth, however, because the Bahamas defeated Panama. The next opportunity to qualify will come during the November window.
The game was particularly meaningful for Dort, who played in front of a hometown crowd at Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
It also provided an early look at a partnership that will carry into the upcoming NBA season. Dort and Alexander-Walker are set to play together for the Atlanta Hawks after Dort arrived from the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer.
“Nickeil is one of my best friends. We played on the same high school team and I’ve played against him my whole life,” Dort said. “When I got the call, I was very happy. He has helped me throughout the whole transition. I’m grateful to have him on my team now.”
The two Canadians have a long history together, and their connection also extends to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Alexander-Walker is Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin, while Dort previously played alongside him in Oklahoma City.
Canada received additional help from Mfiondu Kabengele, who recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Carr contributed 14 points and eight assists, while Kelly Olynyk finished with 11 points.
Argentina dropped to 6-2 despite a huge performance from Nicolás Laprovíttola. He scored 31 points and made eight three-pointers, tying the Americas Qualifiers record for most threes in a single game.
Still, Alexander-Walker and Dort had the final say, combining for 51 points while keeping Canada perfect and offering an early glimpse of the chemistry they could bring to Atlanta.
