*This content was translated by AI.
The player whom Japan feared most ultimately exploded on Japanese soil. Korea's national team ace, Lee Jung-hyun, brought down their "eternal rival," Japan.
Under the guidance of coach Nicolas Mazur (Latvia), the Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team decisively defeated Japan 100-83 in the final Group A match of the men's basketball preliminary round at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held on the 13th at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium.
Having previously defeated Saudi Arabia 82-66 on the 10th and Indonesia 102-48 on the 11th, Coach Mazur's squad surged to a perfect 3-0 record, securing first place in their group. Korea will advance directly to the quarterfinals on the 16th.
Most importantly, this was a satisfying revenge match. Earlier this month, during two away exhibition games held in Tokyo, Japan, Korea lost both matches: 68-88 in the first game and 66-95 in the second.
However, on the more significant Asian Games stage, Korea defeated Japan and continued its path toward a gold medal.
One of the most significant differences compared to the earlier exhibition games was the participation status of Lee Jung-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung. At that time, Lee Jung-hyun could not play in either match due to injury aftermath, while Lee Hyun-jung did not join the Japan trip because of his schedule with an NBA mini-camp.
With both players on the court, Korea's lineup was markedly different. Lee Jung-hyun led the offense, scoring a team-high 25 points, including five three-pointers. Lee Hyun-jung added 16 points. Although he made only one of his seven three-point attempts, he showcased his presence beyond scoring with seven assists and four steals.
In fact, Japan had long displayed considerable caution toward both Lee Jung-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung.
Japanese broadcaster Asahi TV conducted an in-depth analysis of the Korean national team ahead of last month's Korea-Japan exhibition games. At that time, Igari Kei, a former member of the Japanese Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team, identified Lee Jung-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung as key players for Korea.
Igari first stated, "Whenever it comes to a Korea-Japan match, regardless of the sport, players' mindsets change." He added, "Especially against Japan, Korea has consistently shown a very strong image in the past, and there is clearly a favorable matchup dynamic."
He also gave high marks to Korea's overall strength. He remarked, "Young players continue to emerge from Korea. There are players competing in American universities and others active in the KBL. Additionally, veteran players have returned to the national team." He concluded, "Considering their comprehensive strength, I believe they are currently in a very strong condition as a team."
The first player he mentioned by name was Lee Jung-hyun. Igari introduced him, saying, "There is a point guard named Lee Jung-hyun," and added, "He is widely regarded as truly 'No. 1' in the current Korean league."
His praise went beyond mere scoring ability. He stated, "Not only does he have excellent scoring skills, but his speed is also outstanding. Including defense, his overall abilities are very strong." He emphasized, "Most importantly, the key lies in how to stop this player."
Asahi TV announcer Terakawa Shunpei also highly praised Lee Hyun-jung, who was then playing for Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B.League. He said, "His three-pointers go in incredibly," and added, "He is a player capable of making three-point shots with very high probability and serves as a key scoring source for Korea."
In response, Igari reiterated, "The crucial point is how well the Japanese national team can contain both Lee Jung-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung."
However, Japan failed to stop these two players despite knowing their capabilities. The Japanese basketball specialty outlet Basketball King noted regarding this Korea-Japan match, "Japan allowed 16 points to Korea's Lee Hyun-jung and gave up 25 points to Lee Jung-hyun."
In particular, Lee Jung-hyun's explosive scoring is a welcome signal for Korea. In the earlier preliminary round matches (Games 1 and 2), Lee Hyun-jung led the offense by posting the team's highest score in both consecutive games. However, against Japan, Lee Jung-hyun stepped up as the problem-solver, significantly relieving the burden on Lee Hyun-jung.
As the tournament progresses into the knockout stage, defensive pressure on Lee Hyun-jung will inevitably intensify. If other offensive options, including Lee Jung-hyun, continue to deliver, Korea will be able to disperse the opponent's defense and enhance the diversity of its offense.
Coach Mazur himself had previously expressed strong confidence in Lee Jung-hyun ahead of this tournament.
After completing an exhibition match against the Philippines on the 4th, Coach Mazur did not hesitate to praise Lee Jung-hyun, calling him "a truly excellent player."
Coach Mazur stated, "Since he returned from injury, time was needed. He also joined us a bit late in Jincheon and did not play in the exhibition against Japan. Nevertheless, he has been working very hard even though he had to step into games immediately afterward. I respect him."
He particularly emphasized the importance of Lee Jung-hyun's role on the national team. Coach Mazur said, "Our point guard must handle passes and take shots. It is a truly important role that involves managing the game for the team." He added, "Lee Jung-hyun performed well not only in shooting but in all aspects. His ability to finish when second-chance opportunities arose was also excellent."
He continued, "Lee Jung-hyun needs to find his own rhythm and pace. So far, he has been doing very well," and added firmly, "I have great faith in Lee Jung-hyun."
In this Korea-Japan match, Lee Jung-hyun properly repaid the coaching staff's trust.
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*This content was translated by AI.
