Canada rout – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points as Canada took control early and cruised to a 110-84 win over Puerto Rico in a FIBA Americas World Cup qualifying game in Hamilton, with Canada’s 5-0 start leaving seeding still very much alive.
The chants started before the game even settled into its rhythm. At TD Coliseum in Hamilton—Gilgeous-Alexander’s hometown—“M-V-P!” rang out as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in points and kept Canada in full control from the whistle.
On Friday. the two-time NBA MVP led all scorers with 26 points as Canada routed Puerto Rico 110-84 in a FIBA Americas World Cup qualifying game. Gilgeous-Alexander added four assists and three rebounds. and the message was clear: this wasn’t going to be a slow build. Canada took the lead and never let Puerto Rico find a foothold.
Andrew Nembhard carried a second wave of offense with 23 points. four assists and four rebounds as Canada (5-0) pushed the margin as large as 26 points. For Puerto Rico (1-4), Ismael Romero topped the scoring with 17 points. Enrique Freeman produced a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. but the Puerto Rico production couldn’t match the depth Canada showed across the lineup.
The difference was visible in the personnel. Canada had seven NBA players in its lineup. Puerto Rico had two—Ethan Thompson and Freeman—both on two-way contracts with the G-League.
By the time the crowd settled into the comfort of a blowout. the game had already set up what comes next: Canada plays Jamaica on Monday. also in Hamilton. in the final first-round game for both teams. Canada has already secured qualification for the second round, but seeding is still on the line. Brazil is 4-0, Uruguay is 4-1, and Mexico and Chile are 3-0, leaving the final standings far from settled.
The bigger tournament picture begins Aug. 27, when the second round of the Americas World Cup qualifying tournament gets underway.
For Canada. the night also felt like a glimpse of what the NBA spotlight can do—on and off the court. Several Canadian players were in attendance even if they weren’t active for the game. RJ Barrett. Kelly Olynyk and Zach Edey all stopped to sign autographs and take photos with fans before the match and during stoppages.
Barrett is missing this qualifying window to manage his workload as he and the Toronto Raptors eye a contract extension. Olynyk was also resting. Edey is recovering from elbow and ankle surgery he had in March.
Back on the court, though, Hamilton belonged to Gilgeous-Alexander. Canada’s 110-84 win wasn’t just a statement on the scoreboard—it was the kind of start that keeps teams looking over their shoulder, even after qualification is already in the bag.
FIBA World Cup qualifier Canada vs Puerto Rico Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Hamilton TD Coliseum Andrew Nembhard Enrique Freeman Ismael Romero RJ Barrett Kelly Olynyk Zach Edey Brazil seeding Uruguay seeding Mexico Chile