In an exhilarating turn of events that defined sheer determination and athleticism, France emerged victorious over Japan in an overtime thriller, clinching the win with a close score of 94-90. The standout performer of the game, Victor Wembanyama, delivered a masterclass in basketball prowess by scoring every point for his team during the initial four-and-a-half minutes of a nail-biting overtime.
Wembanyama, showcasing his scoring finesse, accumulated a total of 18 points throughout the match. But the catalyst for this high-octane encounter stepping into overtime was Matthew Strazel, who, with 10 seconds left in regulation, managed a spectacular four-point play that breathed life back into France's chances.
Japan's Rui Hachimura also had an impactful presence on the court, netting 24 points on a highly efficient 10-for-16 shooting within just 28 minutes. Regrettably, Hachimura's game was prematurely truncated as he faced ejection with eight-and-a-half minutes to go in regular time. Notably, Yuki Karamura spearheaded Japan's scoring effort, putting up an impressive 29 points.
In another gripping encounter, Canada outlasted Australia with a scoreline of 93-83. RJ Barrett led the charge for Canada, tallying 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in just 25 minutes of play. Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernandez, couldn't hold back his praise for Barrett, emphasizing, “He's that guy,” and elaborating further, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia faced a tumultuous third quarter, succumbing to nine of their total 18 turnovers, significantly impacting their performance. Josh Giddey made a substantial contribution early on, scoring 15 points by halftime, while Jock Landale posted a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. However, the team’s troubles were compounded by Patty Mills' shooting woes, as he managed just eight points on a dismal 2-for-10 shooting performance.
Meanwhile, in a compelling matchup, Spain overcame Greece with a 84-77 victory. Santi Aldama emerged as a pivotal figure for Spain, recording 19 points and 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown facilitated the offense deftly with 10 assists, paired with seven points. Greece, despite lagging behind by as many as 16 points in the first half, managed to stage an impressive rally to bring the game close.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the beacon of hope for Greece, scoring 27 points on efficient 12-for-17 shooting, alongside 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Spain’s clever strategy paid off in the waning moments of the game. As Spain's coach Sergio Scariolo remarked on their defensive approach, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.”
Spain’s tactical resilience and Greece’s spirited comeback underscored the thrilling nature of international basketball. In a nod to Giannis' undeniable talent, Spain guard Dario Brizuela remarked, “He's our best player, and he knows it,” capturing the essence of Antetokounmpo’s influence on the game.
These striking showdowns highlight the fervor and unpredictability of basketball at the highest level, delivering moments of brilliance and heart-pounding excitement to fans worldwide.