In an exhilarating display of endurance and skill, France triumphed over Japan with a 94-90 victory in an overtime thriller. The match saw Victor Wembanyama emerge as a standout, scoring all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of the extra period. Wembanyama finished the game with a total of 18 points, playing a decisive role in his team's victory.
The game teetered on the edge of defeat for France until Matthew Strazel forced the contest into overtime with a remarkable four-point play with just 10 seconds left in regulation. This clutch moment shifted momentum, keeping French hopes alive and setting the stage for Wembanyama's heroics in overtime.
Japan, though ultimately falling short, had notable performances that kept them in contention till the very end. Yuki Karamura was a force to reckon with, pouring in 29 points for his team. Rui Hachimura also had a significant impact, scoring 24 points on an impressive 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes before his ejection with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. Hachimura's exit undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the game, but Japan soldiered on valiantly.
Canada Outlasts Australia
In another high-profile encounter, Canada emerged victorious against Australia with a 93-83 win. RJ Barrett led Canada with an all-around stellar performance, tallying 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. Barrett also contributed significantly on the defensive end, recording seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. His coach, Jordi Fernandez, was full of praise, reflecting on Barrett’s impact: “He's that guy. Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia, though defeated, put up a tough fight. The game saw Josh Giddey shine early, scoring 15 points by halftime. Jock Landale also made his presence felt, contributing 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, their efforts were marred by a string of turnovers, with nine of their total 18 coming in the third quarter—a critical juncture that swung the game in Canada’s favor. Veteran Patty Mills struggled offensively, managing only eight points on a disappointing 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Overcomes Greece
Spain delivered a commendable performance, edging out Greece with an 84-77 victory in yet another captivating game. Santi Aldama stood out for Spain, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, underlining his dual-threat capability. Lorenzo Brown also chipped in effectively, distributing the ball with 10 assists while adding seven points to the tally.
Greece faced an uphill battle, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half. However, they showcased tremendous resilience, staging a rally that added an element of suspense to the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the linchpin for Greece, delivering a phenomenal performance. He racked up 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, complemented by 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His effort drew praise from Spain guard Dario Brizuela, who acknowledged Antetokounmpo's brilliance: “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
Spain’s coach Sergio Scariolo revealed some insights into their strategy: “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” he remarked, alluding to their late-game defensive adjustments that ultimately sealed their win.
These games highlight the intensity and unpredictability that define international basketball competition. Each team displayed commendable grit and skill, making for a series of matches that were nothing short of spectacular.