'Hachimura is no excuse' — Lost even bigger without playing... South Korea loses to Japan by 29 points, extending the losing streak from a 20-point gap

*This content was translated by AI.

Following a decisive defeat against Japan on the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, the South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team collapsed again in the second head-to-head match the following day with an even wider point differential.

The South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team, led by Latvian coach Nicholas Mazur, lost 66-95 to Japan in the second exhibition game held on the 16th at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Having lost the first match 68-88 at the same venue the previous day, South Korea surrendered both legs of the two-game series in Japan.

The result was shocking not only in terms of win-loss but also in the point differential. The 20-point loss in the first game was the largest margin of defeat in men's basketball history between South Korea and Japan, yet just one day later, an ignominious record was set again with a 29-point loss.

In the first match, Rui Hachimura, the "ace" of the Japanese national team, tormented South Korea by scoring a game-high 22 points. The Los Angeles Lakers star, who plays in the NBA, returned to the Japanese national team for the first time in about two years since the 2024 Paris Olympics and made a strong impression.

It is also true that South Korea's roster was not at full strength. Lee Hyun-joong, who is attempting to join the NBA, could not accompany the Lee Beon (CEO) team due to scheduling conflicts. Other key players such as Ahn Young-jun (Seoul SK) and Song Kyo-chang (Osaka Evessa) were also sidelined by injuries. Another ace, Lee Jung-hyun (Goyang Sono), was not in perfect physical condition either.

However, in the second match, Hachimura could no longer be cited as the reason for defeat. This is because he did not play at all.

According to local Japanese reports, Hachimura sat out due to conditioning adjustments. Additionally, Yudai Nishida (Shinshu Mikawa) and Keisei Tominaga (Ryukyu Golden Kings) were given rest for player protection purposes.

Nevertheless, Japan remained strong. South Korea trailed 16-26 from the first quarter and was dragged along. Japan surged ahead 13-0 within just three minutes of game start, applying intense pressure from the beginning. Although South Korea attempted to close the gap with perimeter shots and mid-range attacks, it could not fully seize control of the flow.

There was an opportunity for a counterattack in the third quarter. After improving defensive intensity, South Korea quickly closed the gap using three-pointers.

However, Japan's perimeter shots kept hitting at crucial moments. In particular, Yuki Kawamura (Los Angeles Clippers) sank a decisive three-pointer, dousing South Korea's comeback efforts.

South Korea's focus wavered again in the fourth quarter, ultimately accepting a 29-point blowout defeat.

In South Korea, Yeo Jun-seok (University of Seattle) recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Yu Gi-sang (Changwon LG) fought hard with 14 points, including four three-pointers. However, they could not prevent the team defeat.

For Japan, Kawamura led the victory with 24 points and three assists, the highest scoring output of the game for either team.

Point guard Kawamura, despite his compact 170cm frame, showcased fast speed, court vision, and excellent passing skills to experience the NBA stage. After playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, he appeared in 18 regular-season games last season with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 11 minutes and 6 seconds per game. Recently, he signed a short-term contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and is challenging to join their NBA roster.

Japanese basketball specialty media "Basket Count" also highlighted the decisive victory achieved without Hachimura. The outlet stated, "Even though Hachimura was absent, Kawamura scored a game-high 24 points," and evaluated that "Japan, blending individual talent with team cohesion, secured two consecutive complete victories against South Korea."

Including the Yeo Ja (CEO) team, the results of this Japan tour are even more bitter. The South Korean Yeo Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team lost to Japan 59-77 on the 13th and narrowly fell 77-78 in the second match held on the 14th.

With both matches against the Nam Ja (CEO) team also surrendered, South Korean basketball recorded four consecutive losses in this series of Korea-Japan games during the Japan tour.

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*This content was translated by AI.