In a thrilling overtime showdown, France triumphed over Japan with a score of 94-90, thanks to a stellar performance by Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama lit up the court during the initial four-and-a-half minutes of overtime, scoring all of his team’s points during that period. This remarkable scoring burst added to his total of 18 points for the game, solidifying his impact on this crucial matchup.
Matthew Strazel also played a pivotal role by forcing the game into overtime. With just 10 seconds left in regulation, Strazel executed a dramatic four-point play that kept France’s hopes alive. On the flip side, Japan’s efforts were led by Yuki Karamura, who delivered a game-high 29 points. Rui Hachimura was another standout performer, contributing 24 points on an efficient 10-for-16 shooting in 28 minutes. However, Hachimura’s ejection with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation significantly hindered Japan’s chances in the closing stages.
Canada Triumphs over Australia
In another high-stakes match, Canada emerged victorious against Australia with a 93-83 scoreline. RJ Barrett was the driving force behind Canada’s success, racking up 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes on the floor. Barrett also showcased his all-around game with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Reflecting on Barrett’s performance, Canada’s coach Jordi Fernandez expressed high praise, stating, “He's that guy. Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
The game’s outcome was significantly influenced by Australia’s struggles with turnovers, particularly in the third quarter, where they committed nine of their total 18 turnovers. Despite a strong start with Josh Giddey scoring 15 points by halftime, Australia couldn’t maintain their composure. Jock Landale delivered a solid performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, but it wasn’t enough to counter Canada’s firepower. Patty Mills, usually a reliable scorer, had an off night, managing only eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Bests Greece in a Tight Contest
Spain delivered a commanding performance against Greece, securing an 84-77 victory. Santi Aldama was instrumental in Spain’s win, contributing 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out 10 assists along with scoring seven points. Spain’s strategy paid off, particularly during critical moments, as highlighted by coach Sergio Scariolo, who noted, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.”
Greece, despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, mounted an impressive rally to keep the game close. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the standout for Greece, delivering a masterclass with 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He also added 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his stat line. Acknowledging his dominant performance, Spain guard Dario Brizuela admitted, “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
These matches offered basketball fans a feast of high-octane action and individual brilliance. From Wembanyama’s overtime heroics for France to RJ Barrett’s all-around excellence for Canada, and Aldama’s strong showing for Spain, the spectacle underscored the depth of talent and competitive spirit in international basketball.