Two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 26 points as Canada led from whistle-to-whistle in a 110-84 win over Puerto Rico on Friday in a FIBA Americas World Cup qualifying game.
Chants of “M-V-P!” rained down on Gilgeous-Alexander at TD Coliseum in his hometown of Hamilton as he added four assists and three rebounds.
Andrew Nembhard scored 23 points with four assists and four rebounds as Canada (5-0) led by as many as 26 points.
Ismael Romero led Puerto Rico (1-4) with 17 points. Enrique Freeman had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Canada had seven NBAers in its lineup, while Puerto Rico had two: Ethan Thompson and Freeman, both on two-way contracts with the G-League.
Canada plays Jamaica on Monday, also in Hamilton, in the final first-round game for both teams.
The Canadians had already secured qualification for the second round but seeding is still at stake with Brazil 4-0, Uruguay 4-1, and Mexico and Chile 3-0.
The second round of the Americas World Cup qualifying tournament begins Aug. 27.
Several of Canada’s NBA players were in attendance, even if they weren’t active for the game. RJ Barrett, Kelly Olynyk and Zach Edey all took time to sign autographs and take photos with fans before the game and during stoppages in play.
Barrett is missing this qualifying window to manage his workload as he and the Toronto Raptors eye a contract extension. Olynyk is also resting.
Edey is recovering from elbow and ankle surgery he had in March.