In a highly anticipated clash at the World Cup opener, Nestor Garcia, the coach of the Dominican Republic, addressed the media following his team’s triumph over the Philippines.
After a fierce battle in Manila, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 38,115 spectators, the Dominicans secured a crucial victory against the Philippines with a score of 87-81.
“This was a very tough game for us. We respect the Philippine team as they play good basketball. We had issues containing Jordan Clarkson, who attracted a lot of attention, opening up many opportunities for the rest of their team,” Garcia stated, emphasizing:
“The game was in balance for practically 37 minutes, but we excel in finishing strong. That’s why we weren’t worried, as we knew our moment would come,” Garcia highlighted.
Karl-Anthony Towns is back ๐ฅ#FIBAWC x #WinForDominicana ๐ฉ๐ด
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ๐ (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
While Karl-Anthony Towns scored 26 points, he struggled with his shooting, going only 5/16 from the field, indicating the formidable defense by the Philippine players.
“I believe the Philippine big men played smartly. They approached defending Towns physically. They had a strong desire to contain him, knowing he could threaten them in various ways,” Garcia explained.
Nestor Garcia was asked to comment on the atmosphere in the packed Philippino Arena.
“It was incredible. These are educated people; all credit to them. Their behavior was amazing. They showed respect toward us and the referees. It was a basketball celebration, and I am deeply thankful for their hospitality,” he expressed.
As the tournament progresses, the Dominican Republic’s victory over the Philippines sets the stage for more thrilling basketball matchups and enthusiastic fan support. The game showcased the global passion for the sport and the appreciation for fair play on and off the court.