Keisei Tominaga (#30) of Japan reacts after making a 3-pointer in the group game against Finland at the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan, August 27, 2023. /CFP
Japan beat Finland 98-88 in their second game in Group E at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan, on Sunday, securing the first victory by an Asian team in the tournament.
Japan gave Finland a direct blow from the beginning of the game, limiting their opponents to only 15 points in the first quarter. Though Finland responded with a 31-14 run in the second period and led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter, Japan didn't give up. They maintained their resilient defense in the final period, again limiting Finland to no more than 15 points.
Japan's point guard, Yuki Kawamura, was their key offensive player in their comeback rally. He went 10-for-16 from the field to get 25 points plus nine assists for his side. In the final moments of the fourth quarter, he kept making 3-pointers off the dribble, including one in front of the NBA All-Star big man Lauri Markkanen.
Yuta Watanabe (#12 of Japan tries to deflect a shot by Edon Maxhuni of Finland in the group game at the FIBA Basketball World Cup at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan, August 27, 2023. /CFP
Three of Kawamura's teammates scored in double digits. The team's naturalized forward Josh Hawkinson contributed a double-double of 28 points and 19 rebounds. His solid finishing performances in the final minutes of the game sealed the deal for Japan.
The World Cup is also a qualifying tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The best-performing one of the six Asian teams can secure automatic qualification for the Olympic Games next year. So far, only Japan pocketed a win, putting themselves in a very favorable situation in the race.
Dennis Schroder (C) of Germany makes a layup in the group game against Australia at the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan, August 27, 2023. /CFP
Germany defeated Australia 85-82 in their second game in Group E at the World Cup in Okinawa, Japan, earlier on Sunday. Having secured their second win, Germany replaced Australia as the group lead with one more game to go.
There are players who are not stars in the NBA but were born to dominate FIBA competitions, and Patty Mills of Australia is one of them. The 35-year-old veteran averaged only 14.2 minutes to get 6.2 points per game in the Brooklyn Nets last season. He is only 1.85 meters tall and has never been known for power or athleticism. However, Germany found it simply difficult to stop Mills.
They had a great start on Sunday, beginning the game with an 8-0 run in less than three minutes. Then, the Boomers transferred the ball from Josh Giddey to Mills to launch the attack. Mills repaid their trust with five straight field goals (FGs) that generated 13 points.
Patty Mills (#5) of Australia shoots in the group game against Germany at the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan, August 27, 2023. /CFP
Germany's defenders had no way to stop Mills from shooting 9-for-14 from the floor to get 21 points and six assists. But they had Dennis Schroder to answer blows with blows offensively. Schroder made 10 of his 19 attempts, including five outside the 30-point line, to drop 30 points and eight assists. His charging of the rim in the final two minutes was key to Germany's victory.
Australia have better squad depth than Germany on paper, especially when Franz Wagner didn't play on Sunday due to injury. Dante Exum and Duop Reath combined to get 17 points in the third quarter, helping their side outscore their opponents 22-13 in the quarter and lead 66-62.
Schroder played over 35 minutes in the game, longer than anyone on both sides. He had to take a break, even if that meant Germany would have nobody to go to for offensive solutions. Nonetheless, Maodo Lo stood out in the fourth quarter, making multiple back-step triples to help his side gain the lead back quickly before Schroder came back.
Maodo Lo (C) of Germany passes in the group game against Australia at the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, Japan, August 27, 2023. /CFP
The score was at a draw, 79-79, with two minutes left on the clock. Schroder and Lo combined to contribute two free throws, one layup and one jumper, scoring six points for Germany.
On Australia's side, Mills and Giddey handled the ball during the final two minutes. Mills committed two turnovers. Giddey made one hook shot next to the rim but missed a key free throw that could have tied the score at 84-84.
Both teams will face their final opponents on August 29 – Germany against Finland and Australia against Japan – to decide which teams can go on to the Round of 16 and in what order.
Other games on Sunday:
Italy 82-87 Dominican Republic
Montenegro 89-74 Egypt
Lebanon 73-128 Canada
Philippines 70-80 Angola
Lithuania 96-66 Mexico
France 86-88 Latvia