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Men’s basketball continued at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday, July 30, featuring four exciting games at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
The day began with a matchup between two teams still seeking their first win: Spain versus Greece. Spain, having lost to Australia previously, faced Greece, which had narrowly lost to Canada in a second-half comeback attempt. Santi Aldama led Spain with 19 points in their 84-77 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered another impressive performance for Greece, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
In contrast, the second game of the day saw Canada face off against Australia, both teams having won their opening matches. Canada secured a 93-83 victory, fueled by another standout performance from RJ Barrett, who led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 16 points. For Australia, Josh Giddey delivered 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Jock Landale added 16 points. Canada’s defense was key, forcing 18 turnovers and recording 11 steals.
France narrowly secured a win against Japan in the most thrilling game of Paris 2024 so far. The lead changed hands frequently throughout the second half, with neither team ever gaining a double-digit advantage. The game’s turning point came in the final seconds when France’s Matthew Strazel made a crucial four-point play to send the match into overtime. In the extra period, France pulled ahead for a 94-90 victory. Stranzl finished with 17 points, while Victor Wembanyama led with 18 points. For Japan, Kawamura Yuki and Rui Hachimura combined for 53 points.
France edged out Japan in the most exciting game of Paris 2024 to date. The lead constantly shifted throughout the second half, with neither team pulling ahead by more than nine points. The decisive moment came in the final seconds when France’s Matthew Strazel scored a crucial four-point play to force overtime. In the extra period, France pulled away for a 94-90 win. Strazel finished with 17 points, while Victor Wembanyama led with 18. For Japan, Kawamura Yuki and Rui Hachimura combined for 53 points.
Game of the Day: Japan vs. France
Basketball fans were treated to the first thriller of the Games as Japan pushed France to the limit, ultimately falling 94-90 in overtime. Victor Wembanyama delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, including the crucial go-ahead layup to start overtime. Japan's Yuki Kawamura was outstanding, scoring 29 points and hitting six three-pointers.
With Japan seemingly on the verge of an upset, holding a four-point lead in the final moments, Matthew Strazel made a pivotal three-pointer while fading to his left and drawing a foul. He completed a four-point play with a free throw, tying the game and sending it into overtime. France capitalized on this momentum to secure the win.
Player of the Day: Yuki Kawamura
Despite the tough loss to France, Yuki Kawamura was outstanding. His impressive shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, energized the Japanese offense and nearly led to an upset. The 23-year-old ended the game with 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, hitting six three-pointers and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Honorable Mention: RJ Barrett
Barrett played a key role in Canada’s victory over a formidable Australian team, delivering a well-rounded performance with 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. He shot a solid 8-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, and was 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Barrett is leading Canada in scoring after two games.
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Certainly! Here’s a revised version of the men’s basketball results for July 30:
Spain defeats Greece 84-77
Canada overcomes Australia 93-83
France edges out Japan 94-90
Germany triumphs over Brazil 86-73