In a thrilling contest that saw multiple standout performances, France edged out Japan with a 94-90 victory in overtime. The game was a nail-biter, with key plays and significant contributions from both teams marking the occasion. However, it was France who ultimately came out on top, thanks in large part to Victor Wembanyama’s remarkable effort in the extra period.
Wembanyama's Overtime Heroics
Victor Wembanyama was the star of the overtime, scoring all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes. His explosive performance helped France secure the win as he finished with a total of 18 points. The game was pushed into overtime by Matthew Strazel, who forced an extra period with a crucial four-point play with just 10 seconds left in regulation.
Japan's Strong Showing
Japan did not go down without a fight. Yuki Karamura was sensational, scoring 29 points to lead his team. Rui Hachimura also had a stellar game, contributing 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting within 28 minutes before being ejected with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. His ejection undoubtedly impacted Japan's momentum, yet the team managed to keep the game extremely competitive down to the wire.
Canada Triumphs Over Australia
In another high-stakes match, Canada emerged victorious over Australia with a 93-83 scoreline. Leading the charge was RJ Barrett, who scored 24 points on an efficient 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. Barrett also filled up the stat sheet with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. “He's that guy,” praised Canada’s coach Jordi Fernandez. “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia's downfall partly stemmed from their turnover troubles, as they committed nine of their total 18 turnovers in the third quarter alone. Despite these challenges, individual performances helped keep them in the game. Josh Giddey scored 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale tallied an impressive 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, Patty Mills struggled, managing only eight points on a rough 2-for-10 shooting night.
Spain Overcomes Greece
Meanwhile, Spain defeated Greece with an 84-77 victory. Santi Aldama led Spain with a double-double, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown was the orchestrator, dishing out 10 assists to go along with his seven points. Spain’s coach Sergio Scariolo discussed their game plan, saying, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” referring to their late-game defensive strategy.
Greece, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, managed to stage a strong rally but fell short. Their efforts were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored a game-high 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. “He's our best player, and he knows it,” remarked Spain guard Dario Brizuela about Antetokounmpo’s undeniable impact on the game.
Final Thoughts
These games serve as a testament to the intense and competitive nature of international basketball. From Wembanyama's clutch performance in overtime to Barrett's versatile display and Antetokounmpo's all-around excellence, fans were treated to a series of unforgettable performances. As the teams look towards their next matchups, they carry with them the lessons learned and the momentum gained from these closely contested battles.