Defensive Weakness Hinders Japanese Men’s Basketball Team in FIBA World Cup
In a crucial match against the Australian national team during the group stage of the FIBA World Cup 2023, the Japanese men’s basketball team showcased their speed and offensive prowess. However, their lackluster defense proved to be their downfall as they succumbed to the Australian attack, resulting in a disappointing 89-109 defeat. With only one win and two losses in the group league, Japan failed to advance to the second round.
Despite his impressive performance, Yuki Kawamura struggled to make an impact against Australia’s formidable defense. While he exhibited his skills as a playmaker with 7 assists, his shooting accuracy suffered, managing only 3 points out of 8 attempts. This inability to convert crucial shots prevented him from replicating his standout game against Finland, where he scored 25 points.
Reflecting on the loss, Kawamura acknowledged Australia’s strength and their ability to seamlessly connect offense and defense. As the team’s starting point guard, he realized the importance of establishing control and setting the tempo from the beginning of the game.
Notably, Kawamura faced off against NBA star Lauri Markkanen during the game against Finland, showcasing his agility and scoring ability. However, Australia effectively nullified his impact through tight defense, preventing him from fully utilizing his skills.
While Japan was outclassed by Australia, there were positive aspects to their performance. They demonstrated resilience by scoring 35 points in the third quarter, playing their trademark uptempo style of basketball. Additionally, they managed to keep the scoreline close in the second half, losing by a mere two points (54-52). Kawamura firmly believes that if they stay true to their style and maintain momentum, they can compete against basketball powerhouses from around the world.
Despite not advancing to the second round, Japan’s journey in the World Cup continues with two remaining fixtures. Kawamura, who showcased his growth by overcoming opponents’ countermeasures in the B League last season, sees the rigorous marking by Australia as an opportunity for further improvement.
Reflecting on the experience, Kawamura states, “I have learned a great deal from competing at this high level. This will undoubtedly benefit my development as a player.” With hopes that Kawamura channels the same level of intensity and skill showcased against Finland, or even surpasses it, the Japanese team looks to make their mark in the ranking game.
“I think a lot of defenses took away my goodness.”
FIBA World Cup 2023, the Japanese men’s national team faced the Australian national team in the final match of the group stage. They played very fast basketball and showed what they had in mind, but were unable to stop the Australian attack in terms of size, speed and skillful passing. Due to the collapse of the defense, they lost 89-109 and missed the second round with 1 win and 2 losses in the group league.
In this game, Yuki Kawamura broke through the Australian defense with a sharp drive, recording 7 assists and serving as the starting point of the offense. However, he managed 3 points from 1 out of 8 field goals and the shooting ended in a misfire, and it could not be a game changer like the game against Finland, where he scored 25 points.
“After all, I have the impression that he is really strong. Being 3rd in the FIBA ranking is not just a coincidence. In addition to the strength of the defense, the offense and defense are linked together, and the execution level is high.”
When Kawamura talked about his impressions of Australia, he continued, “As a starting point guard, I lacked the ability to let the opponent get the flow first at the start of the game.”
Even against Lauri Markkanen, one of the NBA’s best young forwards, in the game against Finland, Kawamura went on a rampage, using his speed mismatch to make layups and step back one-on-one 3-pointers. one. . However, this time he was hit by a thorough Australian mark and was unable to show his true potential.
“I think our defense is stronger than Finland. After the change, the opponent’s defense also had various measures such as driving.
“We don’t do anything special even when we’re behind, we stick to what we’re doing.”
Kawamura also said that he felt that the whole team was trying to hold back Japan’s 3-point shot, and that he should have reacted differently as a control tower. “Australia was very careful with their 3-point shots, and I think there were a lot of scenes where they forced us to drive.
Although they were defeated by a difference of 20 points and showed the difference in power, there were positive parts even against the bronze medal team of the Tokyo Olympics. In the third quarter, he scored a whopping 35 points from his typical uptempo basketball, and in the second half, he scored 54-52, which was slightly higher. Kawamura is confident that if they can continue with their own style, they will be able to compete against the rest of the world.
“Even in the two games we lost (against Germany in the first game) and this time against Australia, we won in the second half. By continuing to do what we are doing, we can become an unstoppable team when we only gain momentum (even against the world powers).”
Japan finished 3rd in the group stage and failed to advance to the second round, but the World Cup continues with two finals. As evidenced by his performance in the B League last season, Kawamura has improved by continuing to overcome opponents’ countermeasures. Australia’s rigorous mark this time should also be food for its further evolution.
“I was able to experience many things at this high level. I think this is also a good experience.” We hope that Kawamura, who has made the most of his experience this time, will be able to show the same level of violence as in the game against Finland, if not even more, in the ranking game.
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