Paris 2024 | France takes risks but is saved by Strazel against a never tame Japan
Photo FIBA.
Japan came close to pulling off the upset, but first Strazel and then Wembanyama gave France the win in overtime.
Japan came close to pulling off an upset against France at the Paris 2024 Olympics, coming within a point of beating the much better-ranked home team, but Matthew Strazel scored a triple on a foul to send his team into overtime. This was France’s second victory in these Olympics, although it was still unconvincing. The working class (Strazel and Yabusele in particular) led the French into the extra period, while in the extra period it was Victor Wembanyama who rose to the top with an endless series of made baskets. The final score was 90-94 in favor of Coach Collet’s team.
France scored 18 points with 11 rebounds and 6 assists from Wembanyama, 17 points from Strazel, 14 points with 6 assists from Fournier and 13 points from Yabusele.
For Japan, 29 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists by Kawamura, 24 points by Hachimura, who left the game with 8:30 left in regulation due to a double unsportsmanlike foul, and 16 points with 8 rebounds by Hawkinson.