In a thrilling overtime showdown, France emerged victorious against Japan with a narrow 94-90 scoreline. The game saw a dramatic turn of events, heavily influenced by the stellar performance of Victor Wembanyama, who scored all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime.
Wembanyama, who contributed a total of 18 points in the game, showcased his resilience and determination throughout. The turning point came when Matthew Strazel forced the game into overtime with a spectacular four-point play, leaving just 10 seconds in regulation. This set the stage for Wembanyama to take over in the extra period, sealing the win for France.
Japan's effort was spearheaded by Yuki Karamura, who scored an impressive 29 points. Rui Hachimura also had a standout performance with 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting in 28 minutes before his ejection with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. Hachimura's ejection significantly impacted Japan's momentum, but the team managed to push the game into an intense overtime battle.
Canada Triumphs Over Australia
In another exciting matchup, Canada secured a 93-83 victory over Australia. RJ Barrett led the Canadian charge with 24 points, shooting 8-for-15 in just 25 minutes of play. Barrett's all-around contribution didn’t stop at scoring; he also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five assists, and made two steals. Reflecting on Barrett’s exceptional performance, Canada's coach Jordi Fernandez aptly noted, “He's that guy,” adding, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia found themselves struggling, particularly in the third quarter when they committed nine of their total 18 turnovers. Josh Giddey made a strong impression in the first half, scoring 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale provided significant support with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Despite these efforts, Australia could not overcome their turnover issues and lackluster shooting from key players like Patty Mills, who managed just eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Edges Out Greece
Adding to the day's dramatic events, Spain battled past Greece with an 84-77 victory. Santi Aldama played a pivotal role for Spain, scoring 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown also made his presence felt, contributing 10 assists and seven points. Spain's coach Sergio Scariolo commented on their strategic approach, saying, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” highlighting their late-game defensive tactics.
Greece, although trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, managed to stage a commendable rally. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with a commanding performance, scoring 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He also secured 11 rebounds, handed out three assists, and made two steals. Despite Antetokounmpo's efforts, Greece fell short of completing their comeback. Spain guard Dario Brizuela acknowledged the Greek star's prowess, stating, “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
The intensity of these international matchups underscores not only individual brilliance but also the unpredictable nature of the sport. As teams and players continue to compete at the highest levels, fans can look forward to more electrifying games and unforgettable moments on the court.