- The Japanese national basketball team lost to France 90-94 in overtime in the second group stage match of the Paris Olympics men’s basketball competition.
- The game was marred by a controversial call at the end of regulation, where Japan’s Yuki Kawamura was called for a foul despite replays suggesting he did not make contact.
- French head coach Vincent Collet acknowledged that France was “lucky” to win, calling the final shot by Mathias Lessort a “miracle”.
- Collet praised Japan’s Yuki Kawamura, who scored 29 points, saying he played “incredibly well” and was “very fast and innovative” but may have been a bit tired in overtime.
- Despite the loss, Japan remains in contention for a top-8 finish, which is their goal for the tournament, but they will need to win their remaining games against Brazil and potentially other teams.
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Yuki Kawamura’s Heroic Performance and the Controversial Officiating
Kawamura’s Impressive Scoring and Leadership
The Japanese national basketball team put up a valiant effort against the host nation France in their second group stage match. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Yuki Kawamura’s performance was a standout, as he scored 29 points and led the team’s comeback attempt. French head coach Vincent Collet praised Kawamura’s skill and speed, describing his play as “very impressive and wonderful.”The Controversial Final Seconds and Overtime
The game came down to the final seconds, with Japan leading by 4 points. However, a highly debated foul call on Kawamura allowed France to tie the game and force overtime. Replays suggested that Kawamura may not have actually committed the foul, leading to widespread criticism of the officiating and accusations of the host nation receiving favorable treatment.The French Coaches’ Perspective
In the post-game interview, the French coaches acknowledged their good fortune in the final moments. Head coach Collet admitted that the French team was “lucky” to have the opportunity to tie the game, as they normally would not have attempted such a desperate shot. Mathias Lessort, the French player who hit the game-tying shot, also described it as a “miracle” that the shot went in.Kawamura’s NBA Aspirations and the Road Ahead for Japan
Kawamura’s NBA Potential and Challenges
Kawamura, who is set to sign an exhibition contract with the NBA in September, has impressed with his performance in the tournament. However, Collet acknowledged that Kawamura’s small stature may make it a “difficult challenge” to succeed in the NBA, where there are already many talented players.Japan’s Remaining Chances for Advancement
The Japanese national team, making their first direct Olympic qualification in 48 years, still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. They will need to win their remaining group stage match against Brazil, while also hoping to make up the point differential with Brazil. The team’s fate will be decided in their crucial match on August 2nd.The Ongoing Debate and Controversy
The officiating in the Japan-France match has sparked a heated debate, with fans and media questioning the fairness of the calls. The controversy has even led to the trending of the hashtag “#正義の第三者” (Justice from a Third Party) on social media, as supporters demand a thorough review of the incident.Q&A: Colette Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Japan’s Controversial Call
Q: What did the French coach Collet say about the controversial call at the end of the game?
A: According to the report, French coach Vincent Collet commented on the controversial call at the end of the game, saying that the defender should not have come to block the shot when Japan had a 4-point lead, as that is not normal. He said it was “lucky” and “miraculous” that the shot went in for France.
Q: How did the French players react to the game-tying shot by Straddle?
A: The report states that Mathias Lessort, the French player who hit the game-tying 3-pointer, said he had the courage to take the shot and that it was a miracle that it went in. Straddle himself also said it was clearly a miracle that the shot went in and that he was lucky.
Q: What did Collet say about Yuki Kawamura’s performance?
A: The report mentions that when asked about impressive players, French coach Collet singled out Yuki Kawamura, saying he played very well, was very skilled, and had great speed, but looked a bit tired in overtime, which may have been the reason France was able to win.
Q: What are the implications for Japan’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals?
A: The report states that Japan’s back-to-back losses to Germany and France have significantly narrowed their path to the quarterfinals. However, since the top 2 teams from each of the 3 groups, plus the 2 best 3rd place teams, advance, Japan still has a chance if they can win their remaining games, especially against Brazil.
Video: [Response] “The Japanese national basketball team’s ‘century-old misjudgment’ – French coach reveals the truth, shocking facts that enrage overseas fans! The words the French coach Collet said to Yuki Kawamura, and the ripples of the ‘host country advantage’ ruling that left them speechless…”
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