In an electrifying overtime showdown, France emerged victorious against Japan with a hard-fought 94-90 win. A key player in this gripping match was Victor Wembanyama, who delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime. Wembanyama tallied a total of 18 points, showcasing his undeniable impact on the court.
Matthew Strazel also contributed significantly, forcing the game into overtime with a clutch four-point play with just 10 seconds left in regulation. The match's intensity was further heightened when Rui Hachimura, a linchpin for Japan, was ejected with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regular time. Prior to his ejection, Hachimura had been exceptional, scoring 24 points on an efficient 10-for-16 shooting in a span of just 28 minutes.
Despite Hachimura’s absence, Yuki Karamura stepped up for Japan, pouring in an impressive 29 points. However, it wasn’t enough to fend off the relentless French side, underscoring the dramatic twists and turns that defined the clash.
Canada's Commanding Win
In another thrilling encounter, Canada secured a dominant victory over Australia with a score of 93-83. The game saw RJ Barrett putting on a stellar display, leading Canada with 24 points. He shot 8-for-15 from the field in just 25 minutes of action. Barrett did more than just score; he packed the stat sheet with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, solidifying his role as a versatile game-changer.
Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernandez, heaped praise on Barrett, saying, “He's that guy.” Fernandez added, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores,” highlighting Barrett’s natural ability to find and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Australia, despite showing promise early on, struggled with turnovers, especially in the third quarter, where they committed nine of their total 18 turnovers. Josh Giddey was a bright spot, scoring 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale posted a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, their efforts fell short as Patty Mills had an off night, contributing only eight points while shooting a dismal 2-for-10.
Spain's Resilience Against Greece
Spain's clash with Greece was no less enthralling, with Spain prevailing 84-77. Santi Aldama was a standout performer for Spain, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown also played a crucial role, dishing out 10 assists and adding seven points to the scoreboard.
Greece, although trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, mounted a formidable rally. Giannis Antetokounmpo led this comeback effort with a commanding performance. He notched 27 points, shooting 12-for-17, and added 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his impressive stat line.
Spain's defensive prowess was a key factor in their victory. Dario Brizuela, addressing Giannis' dominant play, remarked, “He's our best player, and he knows it.” Coach Sergio Scariolo elaborated on their strategic approach, saying, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” alluding to their tactical adjustments that ultimately secured the win.
These exciting international matchups underscored not only the individual brilliance of players like Wembanyama, Barrett, and Antetokounmpo but also the dynamic and unpredictable nature of basketball. With each team showcasing resilience and skill, the games are a testament to the high level of competition on the global stage.