In a stunning display of resilience and skill, France triumphed over Japan in overtime with a nail-biting score of 94-90. The star of the night was undoubtedly Victor Wembanyama, who scored all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime, showcasing his undeniable talent and clutch performance under pressure. Wembanyama tallied a total of 18 points for the game, cementing his role as a key player in France's lineup.
The dramatic turn of events was precipitated by Matthew Strazel, who heroically forced the game into overtime. With just 10 seconds left in regulation, Strazel executed a remarkable four-point play that left the audience in awe and kept France's hopes alive.
On the other side of the court, Japan faced a significant setback when Rui Hachimura was ejected with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. However, before his untimely exit, Hachimura had already made a substantial impact, scoring 24 points on an impressive 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Yuki Karamura emerged as Japan's top scorer, contributing an outstanding 29 points.
Canada's Victory Over Australia
In another thrilling matchup, Canada emerged victorious against Australia, securing a 93-83 win. RJ Barrett led Canada with a stellar performance, scoring 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. Barrett's all-around game was on full display, as he also recorded seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Canada's coach, Jordi Fernandez, couldn't have been prouder, stating, “He's that guy,” and adding, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia, despite showing promise, struggled with turnovers, particularly in the third quarter where they committed nine of their total 18 turnovers. Josh Giddey provided a spark with 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale contributed a commendable effort with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, Patty Mills had a challenging game, managing only eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Holds Off Greece
Spain also showcased their prowess, holding off a spirited Greek side with an 84-77 victory. Spain's Santi Aldama was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out 10 assists along with seven points.
Greece faced a daunting challenge early in the match, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half. However, a valiant effort saw them mounting a rally, led by the exceptional Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis demonstrated why he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, scoring 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, and amassing 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. As Spain guard Dario Brizuela acknowledged, “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
Spain's coach, Sergio Scariolo, reflected on their defensive strategy, explaining, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.” This approach proved effective as Spain managed to stave off Greece's comeback attempts and secure the win.
The day’s action highlighted the thrilling unpredictability and sheer talent present in international basketball. Each player’s contribution, whether through scoring, defensive efforts, or playmaking, underscored the dynamic nature of the sport. As these teams continue to dazzle on the court, fans worldwide remain captivated by the exhilarating performances and riveting outcomes.