The Memphis Grizzlies organization was represented quite consistently throughout this summer’s FIBA World Cup and had a couple of their players from both past and present remaining active until the tournament’s August 10 conclusion.
While none wound up in the gold-medal round, two helped guide their respective clubs to a highly entertaining bronze bout, as Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Team USA squared off against Dillon Brooks’ Team Canada.
Ultimately, it was the latter who saw his national team collect the coveted hardware, as the United States was downed by a final score of 127-118.
Unfortunately for both spectators and, naturally, Team USA, Jackson Jr. was a surprise scratch from the festivities due to illness, thus eliminating the hype surrounding the former Grizzlies teammates taking to the floor as rivals in the fight for third place.
Following the contest, Brooks shared his displeasure for not having the opportunity to see his Memphis cohort on the national stage for their fight for the bronze.
Dillon Brooks “wanted to play” former Grizzlies teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr.
"“I really wanted to play against Jaren Jackson… I don’t know what happened to him, I hope he’s alright,” Brooks said, as transcribed by Esfandiar Baraheni. “I love playing against Jaren. It’s just the Memphis connection. I’ve been talking about this since the season. First it was Santi [Aldama] with Spain. It’s good to play against guys you worked with for two years.”"
TCL Player of the Game Dillon Brooks set a new points record in a medal game to tow third-place Canada to their first-ever medal 👏
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 10, 2023
📊 39 PTS | 5 AST | 4 REB | 7 3PM | 42 EFF#FIBAWC x #WinForCanada 🇨🇦 | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/Og5wWPyHEG
Despite his noted sorrow for not playing against Jackson in both of their team’s final games of the World Cup, the ex-Grizzlies wing wound up having himself an outing worth celebrating, as he led Canada in points and, in the end, to a bronze medal.
In 42 minutes played, the 27-year-old registered a game-high 39 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds while knocking down a whopping seven three-pointers.
With his efforts, Brooks was awarded Player of the Game honors.
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