In an exhilarating showdown, France clinched a dramatic overtime victory against Japan, edging out their opponents with a score of 94-90. The standout performer for France was none other than Victor Wembanyama, who delivered a masterclass in clutch scoring during overtime. Wembanyama poured in all of his team's points in the initial four-and-a-half minutes of the extra period, finishing the game with a total of 18 points.
The game was pushed into overtime in spectacular fashion, thanks to Matthew Strazel's heroics. With just ten seconds left in regulation, Strazel electrified the crowd with a four-point play, leveling the scores and setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion. Japan's Yuki Karamura was at his scintillating best, amassing 29 points, but his effort fell just short. The game also witnessed a pivotal moment when Rui Hachimura, who had scored 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting in 28 minutes, was ejected with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation.
Meanwhile, in another gripping encounter, Canada triumphed over Australia with a 93-83 victory. Leading the charge for Canada was RJ Barrett, who impressed with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. Barrett also contributed seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, underscoring his all-around capability. Canada's coach, Jordi Fernandez, couldn't hide his admiration, saying, “He's that guy. Sometimes, I don't call plays for him and he just scores.”
Australia's performance wavered in the third quarter when they committed a costly nine out of their total 18 turnovers, which ultimately paved the way for Canada's surge. Despite a valiant performance from Josh Giddey, who notched up 15 points by halftime, and Jock Landale, who added 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, the Aussies struggled to keep pace. Patty Mills had an uncharacteristically off-day, managing only eight points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Spain also emerged victorious in their clash against Greece, posting an 84-77 win. Santi Aldama was instrumental for Spain, netting 19 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Lorenzo Brown facilitated the offense seamlessly, contributing 10 assists alongside his seven points. The game was marked by Greece’s relentless effort to stage a comeback, having trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the linchpin for Greece, tallying 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Spain's defensive strategy played a crucial role in their win, as elucidated by coach Sergio Scariolo: “We thought we’d keep it for the very end of the game.” Spain's ability to hold off the Greek rally highlighted their tactical acumen and resilience.
The contests showcased a blend of remarkable individual performances and compelling team dynamics, providing plenty of excitement for basketball enthusiasts. With Wembanyama’s clutch scoring, Strazel's timely heroics, Barrett's dominance, and Antetokounmpo’s relentless drive, the games were a testament to the players' skill and determination.