In a nail-biting encounter at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France triumphed over Japan with a score of 94-90 in the men's basketball group stage on Tuesday, marking their second consecutive win in Group B.
Despite Japan's challenging start, failing to secure a win in previous Olympic matches, they put up a fierce fight against the hosts. The Japanese team unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, successfully sinking 16 out of 37 attempts from beyond the arc, keeping the game intensely competitive.
Yuki Kawamura led Japan with an impressive 29 points, going 9-for-26 from the field. Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly before being ejected in the fourth quarter after two unsportsmanlike fouls. Japan held a narrow four-point lead in the final moments of the fourth quarter, thanks to Kawamura's free throws.
However, Matthew Strazel's crucial four-point play with just 10.2 seconds remaining tied the game, sending it into overtime. \"The shot of his life,\" praised Victor Wembanyama, highlighting the pivotal moment.
In overtime, Wembanyama took control, scoring all of France’s first eight points and establishing a 92-84 lead. Despite Japan's efforts to rally with two consecutive three-pointers, Evan Fournier clinched the victory for France with key free throws.
\"The realization, the dynamic of the game,\" Wembanyama commented on France's performance during overtime. \"They were playing like underdogs and we were waiting for them to punch a little bit too much. I wanted to make a point and punch first in overtime. And it worked.\"
The 20-year-old star delivered an outstanding performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. France's head coach Bilal Coulibaly praised Wembanyama, stating, \"I don't know why he has to prove more. He was being himself, a great teammate, a great player. Proud of him.\"
Reference(s):
France covered in cold sweat despite men's basketball win over Japan
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