The French nationwide group was nearly surprised in entrance of its dwelling crowd. Tuesday’s contest towards Japan was considered one of, if not essentially the most thrilling recreation of the 2024 Paris Olympics up to now. On the again of a miracle shot from Matthew Strazel and a dominant additional time interval from San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, France defeated Japan 94-90.
Each groups obtained off to scorching begins offensively in a blazing 32-25 first interval. Wembanyama did his work from the three-point line early, hitting two catch-and-shoot threes for France. He was on level within the first half, with 10 factors, 3 rebounds and 4 assists whereas capturing 100% from the sphere. Wemby didn’t block any pictures, however he eliminated pictures from entering into by swiping them off the rim, one thing that’s allowed in FIBA play.
Japan caught fireplace from deep early and by no means regarded again. They shot 43.2% from three on 37 makes an attempt. They had been led by place to begin guard, Yuki Kawamura, who put Japan on his again within the second half. Kawamura did his finest Stephen Curry impression, pulling down three after three, punishing France’s drop protection. Kawamura completed the sport with 29 factors, 7 rebounds and 6 assists whereas capturing 6-15 from three.
Wembanyama went quiet within the second half. He grew to become extra of a facilitator because the Japanese protection keyed in on him. They despatched doubles and closed out laborious when he caught the ball on the perimeter. He didn’t rating a single level within the second half.
Guerschon Yabusele, Evan Fournier and Strazel took on the scoring load in his absence. Yabusele is a bowling ball in transition who additionally nails threes. He had 13 factors and hit 3-6 deep balls. Fournier hit some large pictures when France wanted him, regardless of an inefficient capturing night time when he had 14 factors on 5-18 capturing. Rudy Gobert performed a key defensive function, as he had 7 factors, 15 rebounds and a pair of blocks.
Japan took France all the way down to the wire regardless of lacking considered one of its key gamers. Los Angeles Laker, Rui Hachimura was ejected from the sport after his second unsportsmanlike foul within the second half. He had 24 factors earlier than his ejection. Josh Hawkinson and Kawamura got here up large in his absence and gave Japan a late 4-point lead with some clutch pictures down the stretch.
France obtained the ball, down 4, with about 20 seconds to go. Strazel caught the ball on the left wing, pump-faked a defender, side-step dribbled and flung up a miracle shot. Not solely did the ball go in, however he was fouled for the and-1 play to tie it. After making the free throw, France and Japan headed to additional time.
Wembanyama got here out with a pressure in additional time, getting an and-1 bucket to go after which hit a three-pointer to present France a six-point lead. Wemby had 8 factors within the additional time interval, scoring all however considered one of France’s buckets, and outscored the complete Japanese squad. He completed the sport with 18 factors, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a pair of blocks.
France will face Germany, the opposite undefeated group in its group, on Friday, August 2nd at 2 p.m. CT. Germany’s victory over Brazil on Tuesday ensured that each France and Germany will transfer on to the knockout rounds of the Olympics. Profitable the sport on Friday will likely be essential for France to earn a greater matchup within the knockout rounds. Germany defeated France of their final pleasant matchup, 70-65, earlier this month.
