TOKYO (JAPAN) - Rui Hachimura was warmly received at the Ariake Arena as he made his first appearance in front of the home crowd since the 2020 Olympics. Although not fully fit for the preparation games, the LA Laker still took to the court for the warm-up.
The home crowd was later treated by a thriller, as Japan lost to Korea in a highly entertaining encounter with the score 84-85.
The story of the game
Tom Hovasse's team played their third preparation game of the summer following a win and a draw against an Australian select team.
Japan, considered the favorite, got off to a slow start. Their usual off-ball movement was lacking, forcing them to rely on individual plays.
The teams began trading big three-pointers in the second quarter, but Korea executed better. At one point, they just couldn't miss and finished the half with an 11-point lead.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern as Korea extended their lead. Entering the final quarter, the game seemed out of reach for Japan, facing a daunting 20-point deficit.
But this was when the hosts finally woke up. A remarkable defensive effort helped them level with the visitors. Japan even took a brief lead at 84-82. However, Korea tied it again at 84-84. And in the final possession of regulation, Josh Hawkinson fouled Yungi Ha. The Korean made one of the free throws to seal the game.
The player of the game
Yuki Kawamura played a pivotal role in Japan's comeback, scoring 16 points during that stretch and leading the team on defense.
The 23-year-old solidified his position as Japan's starting point guard at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and continues to prove his value to the team this year. He finished the game with 23 points and 6 assists in just 23 minutes of play.
For Korea, Lee Jung Hyun was dominant with 27 points, sinking 6 of his 11 three-point attempts.
The stats of the game
With Hachimura in the game, Japan will be less reliant on their 3-point shooting, but it remains a cornerstone for Tom Hovasse's strategy. His team improved their shooting percentage in the final quarter, but converting only 31% of attempts still fell short for his side.
Meanwhile, Korea capitalized on their outside shooting, making 11 of their 22 three-point attempts, which was crucial in building and ultimately securing their lead. The visitors also won the battle on the boards, outrebounding Japan 39-37.
The takeaways from the game
Japan disappointed their home fans with a lack of effort during the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but they showed promise in the final period. This team has the potential to excel, as they once again proved. Going forward, they'll need to sustain this level of performance throughout all four quarters. Hachimura's presence will provide much-needed size and improve their rebounding.
Korea looked impressive and will aim to carry this form into their second game against Japan on Sunday, aiming to build on their win over an Olympic-level national team, which is always significant and worth celebrating.
FIBA