Germany Runs Past Japan in Men's Basketball Tourney Opener

Franz Wagner scored a game-high 22 points as 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup champion Germany routed Japan 97-77 in their opening Group B game on Saturday, July 27, at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France.

The Germans, ranked third in the world, beat Japan, ranked 26th, with a strong inside game and tough defense and never trailed in the contest. Germany shot 54% (38-for-71) from the field to Japan's 36% (24-for-66).

Neither team shot particularly well from 3-point range, with Germany hitting 38% (11 of 29) and Japan 35% (12 of 34).

Rui Hachimura led Japan with a team-high 20 points and had 10 rebounds, but shot just 4-for-19 from the field in the loss. Yuta Watanabe added 16 points, but had just three in the second half.

Daniel Theis chipped in with 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds for Germany in the victory, while Dennis Schroder had 13 points and 12 assists. The Germans had five players score in double figures in the win.

Insights From Both Basketball Teams

"We had a good couple of weeks of preparation, we knew it was going to be a hard game," Theis stated. "Japan never gives up, even when they were down 15, they came back to eight or something. So we knew we couldn't relax, we couldn't save any energy because they play 40 minutes."

"Facing Germany is a great challenge, but I love that," Japan coach Tom Hovasse said after the game. "They are really good. We know their plays probably just as well as they do, once we see a sign, we got it, but it's just stopping it."

Added Hovasse, "They are just very methodical at what they do, and their bench is deep."

A Slow Start for Japan

Japan missed its first six shots in the first quarter before Hachimura finally connected on a short jumper. Germany quickly opened up a 16-8 lead just six minutes in and never looked back.

The Hinomaru, aka Akatsuki Japan, played their best in the second quarter, when they were outscored just 24-23, but could not sustain the improved performance in the second half. Japan's lack of an inside game and over-reliance on perimeter shooting were decisive in the defeat.

At halftime, Japan trailed 52-44 and twice pulled within seven points in the third quarter, but could get no closer. 

Germany took a 74-61 lead into the final 10 minutes and widened their lead as Japan desperately attempted three-pointer after three-pointer in a futile bid to catch up.

Japan point guard Yuki Kawamura controlled the ball too much in the defeat and shot just 3-11 from the field and finished with 11 points. Josh Hawkinson led Japan with 11 rebounds.

Japan's bench was almost non-existent, mustering just seven points on the night, as Germany's reserves tallied 38. Japan committed 13 turnovers to just five for Germany.

A Look Ahead

Japan plays host France on July 30, while Germany takes on Brazil the same day.

RELATED:

• Japan Men's Basketball Squad Unveils its Roster for Paris Olympics
• With Dennis Schroder as the Conductor, Germany Riding a Wave of Success

Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.