On July 31, Beijing time, the men's basketball competition for the 2024 Paris Olympics continued. In the second round of Group B, Hachimura was ejected in the fourth quarter, and the France men's basketball team defeated the Japan men's basketball team 94-90 after overtime, winning two consecutive victories; Japan suffered two consecutive defeats.
The scores in the fourth quarter (including overtime) were 32-25, 17-19, 20-20, 15-20 and 10-6 (France in front). On the France side, Wembanyama had 18 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, Strazel made 4 three-pointers for 17 points and 3 assists, Fournier had 14 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists, and Yabuselle had 13 points. On Japan's side, Yuki Kawamura hit six three-pointers with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, Hachimura 24 points and 3 rebounds, and Hawkinson 16 points and 8 rebounds.
In the opening game, the two teams played a whirlwind, first Wembanyama scored two three-pointers in succession, and then Kawamura scored consecutive points. The offense and defense of both sides are fast-paced, and the outside shooting rate is also very high. At the end of the first quarter, France led 32-25. Yuki Kawamura scored 10 points in a single quarter on 4-of-5 shooting.
In the second quarter, France strengthened the inside attack and once seized the lead. Japan showed tenacity, and Yuki Tomiyasu scored three points to tie the score at 40. Hachimura hit 2 points, and Japan took a 2-point lead. But then, France played a wave to open up the difference again. At the end of the first half, France led 49-44. Wembanyama had 10 points, three rebounds and four assists in the first two quarters.
In the third quarter, Yuki Kawamura hit two consecutive three-pointers, and Japan went on an 11-2 run to take a four-point lead and stop France. After the timeout, France tied the score at 57 and then 62. Yabuselle stepped up and his outburst helped France lead 69-64 at the end of the third quarter.
Hachimura pulled Gobert down in the last quarter and accumulated his second physical foul and was ejected. Yuki Kawamura hit a three-pointer and drew a foul as Japan trailed 76-77. Yuki Kawamura scored a layup to give Japan a one-point lead. The two sides fell into a scoring drought of up to 4 minutes! Yuki Kawamura assisted Hawkinson to score a hook to give Japan a three-point lead. Fournier hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 80. Yuki Kawamura hit all 4 free throws, and at this time, Strazel completed a 3+1 attack. Yuki Kawamura didn't score three points, and the game went into overtime.
In overtime, Wembanyama broke out and scored eight points in a row, and Yuki Kawamura, who had hit consecutive irons, hit his sixth three-pointer. Hiejima scored three points from the top of the circle, and Japan fell behind by 2 points and fouled tactics. With 6.8 seconds left before the end, Strazer hit two free throws. With three points less than Ejima, France had the last laugh.
(Sohu Sports Original: JIM)