In a thrilling sequence of international basketball games, France, Canada, and Spain emerged victorious against their respective opponents, each story woven with its own dramatic highlights.
France Triumphs in Overtime
In a nail-biting encounter, France secured a hard-fought victory against Japan with a 94-90 win in overtime. The hero of the game, Victor Wembanyama, exhibited remarkable prowess by scoring all of his team's points in the vital first four-and-a-half minutes of overtime. Wembanyama finished the game with a total of 18 points.
France's path to victory was made possible thanks to Matthew Strazel, who forced the game into overtime with a spectacular four-point play just 10 seconds before the end of regulation. On the opposing side, Japan's performance was dented by the ejection of Rui Hachimura, who had scored 24 points on an impressive 10-for-16 shooting in just 28 minutes before his untimely departure. Nonetheless, Yuki Karamura stood out for Japan with a game-high 29 points.
Canada Outlasts Australia
Canada secured a significant win over Australia with a score of 93-83, driven by RJ Barrett’s outstanding performance. Barrett led his team with 24 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-15 in 25 minutes on the court. In addition to his scoring prowess, Barrett also contributed seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Canada's coach Jordi Fernandez lauded Barrett’s ability, stating, “He’s that guy,” and added, “Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia's struggles were most evident in the third quarter when they committed nine out of their total 18 turnovers. Despite a strong start from Josh Giddey, who scored 15 points by halftime, the team couldn't maintain their momentum. Jock Landale offered a solid performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome Australia's mistakes. Patty Mills, another key player, had an off night, scoring only eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain Edges Out Greece
Spain claimed a win over Greece with an 84-77 scoreline, thanks in part to the stellar play of Santi Aldama, who notched a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown added strategic depth to Spain’s game with 10 assists and seven points.
Greece, despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, managed to stage a commendable rally. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with an impressive performance, scoring 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting. He also secured 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Spain guard Dario Brizuela acknowledged Antetokounmpo’s impact by stating, “He's our best player, and he knows it.”
Spain’s defensive strategy came into sharp focus towards the end of the game. Coach Sergio Scariolo highlighted their execution, explaining, “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game,” in reference to their late-game defensive adjustments that ultimately sealed their victory.
These international matchups not only provided thrilling entertainment but also showcased the individual talents and collective resilience of the teams involved. With standout performances and strategic finesse, the games underscored the competitive spirit that defines international basketball.