The FIBA 2023 World Cup has captured worldwide attention, as international players unite for an intense battle for the coveted cup. The competition has been ablaze with excitement right from the inaugural game. Commencing on August 26th, the preliminary rounds are taking place until August 30th. Hosted across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, all 32 teams will engage in three group-stage matchups. This will help them lay the foundation for the upcoming quarterfinals. One of the host teams, Japan, looks determined to make a deep run in the tournament.

In their World Cup opener, Japan fell to the mighty Germans by 81-63 in Okinawa. Despite asserting their prowess and home-court advantage, Dennis Schroder led an 11-0 run, leaving Japan trailing by double digits. Germany maintained control throughout the remainder of the match. They thwarted any attempts by Japan to establish a rhythm. Yet, in their recent showdown against Finland, Japan emphatically demonstrated their championship caliber. Under the leadership of Yuki Kawamura, the national team achieved a triumph that brought tears to the eyes of their players.

Yuki Kawamura channels inner Stephen Curry to cruise past Finland

In a breathtaking twist, Japan shocked Finland with a remarkable 98-88 victory on 27th August. The spotlight was on Japan’s Josh Hawkinson, who notched a staggering 28 points and pulled down an astounding 19 rebounds. However, timely havoc by Yuki Kawamura helped Japan leap over an integral stepping stone in the tournament.

Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, Japan’s resurgence was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Yuki Kawamura added 25 points and nine assists for his extraordinary performance.

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Being a solid 10.5-point favorite, Finland entered the contest following a loss to Australia, fueling their determination. However, Japan turned the game with their pivotal fourth quarter. After an equal third-quarter scoring, they posted an 18-point differential in the fourth to defeat Lauri Markkanen’s team. 

The game stirred a whirlwind of emotions on both fronts. Finland teared up because they now bid farewell to the global tournament. On the other hand, Japan’s triumph is historic. It marked their first-ever victory against a European team in World Cup history. To add to the emotional magnitude, all of this unfolded in the passionate embrace of their home crowd in Okinawa.

Japan’s next battle is against the Boomers

Australia dominated the FIBA Basketball World Cup opener in Okinawa, thrashing Finland 98-72. They boast deeply entrenched defensive units in Matisse Thybulle and Josh Green. Their unwavering defense poses a relentless challenge for opponents. Against Finland, their defensive synchronization was impeccable; always timely in offering help or executing double-teams.

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In this 2023 World Cup, the Boomers saw four players reach double digits in the season’s debut. Their offense is fueled by NBA stars Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, and Josh Giddey. 

Japan’s recent victory underscores their adaptability to the game’s ever-shifting dynamics. Despite their winless 2019 FIBA campaign, Coach Tom Hovasse is coming fresh from guiding the women’s side to Tokyo Olympics silver medal in 2021. Furthermore, he steered the men’s team to the Quarter-Finals at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.

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Recalling their spirited struggle against Australia in 2020, Japan fought prestigiously without Yuta Watanabe. Japan’s recent triumph stands as a testament to its persistent growth. This newfound success demands that present-day Japan be taken seriously, leaving no room for underestimation.