Spain has defeated Argentina in a much-anticipated 2019 FIBA World Cup final, 95-75, to become two-time World champions. Ricky Rubio was named the final game MVP. The Phoenix Suns guard tallied 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 6-for-11 shooting from the field. Marc Gasol was also a major contributor in the crucial game of the tournament with 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals.
The Spaniards controlled the game from the tip-off to the last seconds. Sergio Scariolo’s team took off with a 14-2 start and never looked back. Two of Argentina’s leaders at the tournament, Facundo Campazzo and Luis Scola, couldn’t find their rhythm all night. Both had terrible shooting performances – 2-for-11 and 1-for-10 respectively. Another important offensive piece for Sergio Hernandez was the reigning Spanish league MVP, Nicolas Laprovittola, who also had an off night with 17 points on 4-for-15 shooting. Real Madrid forward Gabriel Deck was the only bright spot for the Argentines with a 24-point performance on 10-for-13 shooting.
Ricky Rubio was named both the MVP of the Finals game and of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Rubio finished in the top 10 in assists (six per game) and made the tournament’s top-20 scoring list (16.4 points per game). His arguably best performance in China came in the semifinal matchup against Australia. The new Suns’ guard was crucial in a double-OT win and finished the game with 19 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds. It’s his third major international title after capturing gold at two Eurobaskets in 2009 and 2011.
.@rickyrubio9 is the @TISSOT MVP of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019! ?? #EspañaGotGame #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/MhlDvk2ey0
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 15, 2019
His teammate Marc Gasol became a two-time world champion. He’s also made history becoming only the second player to capture NBA title and World’s gold in the same year. Lamar Odom was first to do so in 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol is not the only member of the Toronto Raptors organization to get a gold medal in China. Sergio Scariolo, Spain national team head coach and Nick Nurse’s assistant in Toronto, won his fourth international title. He previously led the Spanish team to three Eurobasket titles in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
