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- Rui Hachimura’s stellar performance led Japan in a close game against France at the 2024 Olympics.
- Hachimura was ejected after a controversial unsportsmanlike foul on France’s Rudy Gobert.
- Despite Japan’s efforts, France won in overtime with a score of 94-90.
- LeBron James expressed interest in participating in track & field, specifically the 4×100 relay.
Japan’s Valiant Effort Overshadowed by Hachimura’s Ejection
In an unexpected turn of events, Los Angeles Lakers star Rui Hachimura led the Japanese basketball team in a nail-biting match against France at the 2024 Olympics. Hachimura’s impressive 24 points nearly secured a victory for the underdogs.
However, the game took a dramatic twist when Hachimura was ejected for an unsportsmanlike foul on French player Rudy Gobert. The call was contentious, as it appeared to be a standard foul by NBA standards, but not under FIBA rules. This ejection was pivotal, as Japan was ahead but eventually lost in overtime 94-90.
France’s victory was aided by Victor Wembanyama and Matthew Strazel’s heroics, with Strazel’s four-point play forcing the game into overtime. In Hachimura’s absence, Yuki Kawamura stepped up for Japan with 29 points. Meanwhile, LeBron James, Hachimura’s teammate from the Lakers, shared his Olympic aspirations, revealing his desire to compete in track & field as part of the 4×100 relay team.
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