FIBA World Cup 2023: Japan come from way behind to stun Finland, setting up winner-takes-all game vs Australia
Tournament co-hosts score first win at World Cup in 17 years with a late rally to wipe out an 18-point deficit. They will now face Australia on Tuesday for a berth in the second round from Group E.
Basketball
It took 17 years, but Japan’s FIBA World Cup drought is finally over.
Japan on Sunday (27 August) produced their first World Cup victory since 2006, coming back from 18 points down to beat Finland 98-88.
Josh Hawkinson led the way with 28 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, both game highs, while Kawamura Yuki added 25 points and nine assists.
Lauri Markkanen had 27 points and 12 rebounds for Finland, who suffered their second defeat in as many games and were eliminated.
On Tuesday in what was once thought to be an unexpected scenario, Japan will now play Australia in a winner-takes-all contest for a place in the second round.
“They’re one of the best teams in the world,” Japan coach Tom Hovasse said.
“We can’t allow them to push us around. We have to battle on the rebounds. We’ll probably have to shoot better the day after tomorrow than we did tonight.
“We’re here to win. We’re not here to participate. They lost a tough one today so they’re going to be hungry. They’re going to come with all they have.”
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As the shots finally started falling for Japan - they shot 52 per cent for the game - and opening up various opportunities, Finland’s lead faded fast in the second half.
Spurred by player-of-the-game Hawkinson and Kawamura's ability to wreak havoc, as well as 17 points off the bench from their lethal weapon Tominaga Keisei, the home team came to life down the stretch. This, despite their best player Watanabe Yuta scoring just four points.
Japan took the lead midway through the fourth quarter on a three-point play by Kawamura, who made it 82-78 with 3:51 left with a dagger 3. After that, they never looked back.
Markkanen made no excuses for the defeat, saying Japan deserved the win.
“We knew exactly how they were going to play. They played really well, all credit to them,” the Utah Jazz All-Star said.
“We didn’t execute our game-plan, just rushed into things. We played at their speed, not ours.
“When they get going with the home crowd behind them, they can beat anybody. Like I said, all credit to them. They made some tough shots.”