FIBA World Cup Day 1: Canada, Germany big winners on opening day

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup officially opened in three host countries on Friday and some teams have already picked up huge wins in their respective groups.

Catch up on everything that went on in an eventful Day 1 from Manila, Okinawa, and Jakarta.

Dominican Republic edges Philippines, 87-81, in front of record crowd

Jordan Clarkson and the rest of the home team Gilas Pilipinas put on a show in front of a record FIBA World Cup crowd of 38,115 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The Utah Jazz star scored 28 points before fouling out with over three minutes left in a close contest.

Ultimately, it was Karl-Anthony Towns (26 points, 10 rebounds, 15-of-16 FTs) and his tough Dominican Republic squad that emerged victorious in the endgame. Towns, after the game, praised young Gilas big man AJ Edu, who defended him for most of the contest, as an “ultra competitor”.

Gilas will return to action on Sunday, August 27, in a clash against Angola.

Read more | FIBA World Cup Preview: A Serbian correspondent breaks down Gilas Pilipinas vs Angola

Canada routs France, 95-65, in battle of heavyweights

While the USA remains to be the heavy favorite in the competition, Canada and France are two of the teams that have been mentioned as potential medalists in this year’s edition of the FIBA World Cup as well.

On opening day, however, Canada made a huge statement in Jakarta with a 30-point rout of France in a battle of Group H heavyweights behind a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who posted 27 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. He scored 11 of those points in a breakaway third period where they turned a three-point halftime lead into a 20-point margin after a 25-8 quarter.

Other NBA players like Kelly Olynyk, Dillon Brooks, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker made big contributions for the North American squad.

Read more | Who’s in? Who’s out?: A list of NBA players playing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup

France, playing this tournament without Victory Wembanyama, was led by Evan Fournier with 21 points.

Germany cruises past Japan, 81-63, in Okinawa

Germany blew the game against host Japan wide open in the first half and cruised the rest of the way to pick an early win in Group E of the FIBA World Cup.

Mo Wagner came in from off the bench halfway through the first quarter and turned a four-point game into a 23-11 advantage for Germans by the end of the period thanks to seven quick points, along with a rebounds and an assist from the Orlando Magic player.

He finished the game with 25 points on 10-for-14 shooting and nine rebounds in under 24 minutes of play. Dennis Schroeder added 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Japan was led by Yuta Watanabe with 20 points.

Lithuania outclasses Egypt, 93-67

Jonas Valanciunas and his Lithuania team took the lead in Group D as they outclassed Egypt, 93-67, after turning in a strong first quarter and keeping their opponents at bay the rest of the way.

Valanciunas scored 11 of the team’s first 15 points as Lithuania built a 26-12 advantage after the opening period.

He finished the game with 15 markers and 10 boards, though he only played 17 and a half minutes with four fouls. That didn’t matter much as his teammates never let Egypt closer than eight points in the third quarter before turning it into a rout with a big finishing kick.

Lithuania's Margiris Normantas led all scorers with 18 points.

Red-hot Latvia shoots down Lebanon, 109-70

A sweet-shooting Latvia team overwhelmed Lebanon en route to a 39-point blowout, 109-70, in Group H action of the FIBA World Cup in Jakarta.

Latvia knocked down 18 three-pointers on a 51.4-percent clip in a dominant shooting performance.

Guard Dairis Bertans, the brother of NBA player Davis Bertans, led the team with 20 points, including 6-for-7 shooting from three. Six other Latvians reached double figures in scoring with Davis and Kristers Zoriks both knocking down three triples as well.

Lebanon was led by Sergio El Darwich, who scored 19 points.

Other results

Group A | Italy 81-67 Angola: Italy beats Angola to take early lead in Gilas' FIBA World Cup group
Group D | Montenegro 91-71 Mexico: Nikola Vucevic scores 27 to lead Montenegro past Mexico at MOA Arena
Group E | Australia 98-72 Finland: NBA players Mills, Giddey lead Australia to rout of Finland in FIBA World Cup

—JMB, GMA Integrated News