In an enthralling display of basketball prowess, France triumphed over Japan in overtime, clinching a 94-90 victory. The hero of the hour, Victor Wembanyama, showcased his remarkable abilities, scoring all of France’s points in the first four and a half minutes of overtime and concluding the game with a total of 18 points.
The match saw dramatic twists and turns, none more significant than Matthew Strazel's clutch performance. Strazel forced the game into overtime with a daring four-point play, leaving just ten seconds on the clock in regulation. His heroic effort ensured that France remained in the hunt for victory against a formidable Japanese side.
However, Japan did not go down without a fight. Yuki Karamura was a standout for the team, contributing an impressive 29 points. The game took another dramatic turn when Rui Hachimura, who scored 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting in 28 minutes, was ejected with eight and a half minutes left in regulation. Despite his absence, Japan pushed France to their limits, ultimately falling short in overtime.
Meanwhile, Canada emerged victorious over Australia with a 93-83 scoreline. RJ Barrett was at the forefront of Canada's triumph, leading the team with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also secured seven rebounds, dished out five assists, and made two steals. Canada’s coach Jordi Fernandez lauded Barrett’s performance, stating, “He's that guy,” and went on to add, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia struggled with turnovers, committing nine of their total 18 in the third quarter alone, which proved to be a turning point in the game. Despite the challenges, Josh Giddey had an outstanding first half, notching up 15 points by halftime. Jock Landale also made significant contributions with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, although Patty Mills had an off night, scoring just eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
In another riveting matchup, Spain secured an 84-77 win over Greece. Spain was propelled by Santi Aldama's stellar performance, as he scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown was a key playmaker, providing 10 assists and adding seven points to the score. Reflecting on their defensive tactics, Spain's coach Sergio Scariolo revealed, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.”
Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an exceptional performance, posting 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, Greece mounted a spirited comeback but ultimately fell short. Spain’s guard Dario Brizuela acknowledged Antetokounmpo’s impact, stating, “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
These games highlighted the talent and determination of players on an international stage, offering fans a glimpse of high-level competition and individual brilliance. The intense matchups demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement that makes basketball a beloved sport worldwide.