In the first game of 2024 Olympics group play, Rui Hachimura’s 20 points weren’t enough as Japan fell to Germany.
Despite Rui Hachimura's 20 points and 10 rebounds, Japan lost its first game of Olympic group play to Germany, 97-77 on Saturday morning.
Japan kept it close in the first half after a slow start, but Germany was too much of a well-oiled machine and kept their feet on the gas all game to win huge. Germany dominated the paint, scoring 46 points while their bench scored 38.
Japan was down 4-0 early, but Rui got things going for his country with his usual favorite midrange shot. Unfortunately, the remainder of the game was difficult for Rui as he couldn’t get a consistent shot. Many of his attempts were wide open and he created good shots, but he couldn’t convert.
He went 2-9 from the field in the first quarter and missed his two attempts from behind the arc. His struggles continued into the second as he went 1-2, taking two 3-pointers and missing both. His one made shot came in the form of a ferocious dunk early in the quarter in which he slid past a screen and dunked over former Baby Laker Isaac Bonga.
Rui Hachimura with the poster! My goodness what a dunk!!! pic.twitter.com/HkGNzsBFQt
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 27, 2024
Early in the third, Rui suddenly found his outside shot and drilled two 3-pointers in a row to help Japan gain some ground. He then missed his next four shots and nothing changed in the fourth as he also missed his only four-shot attempts in that quarter.
His defense has often been a struggle, but he had some good moments in this game, including a nasty block in the fourth quarter.
Rui Hachimura with a great recovery to make the block pic.twitter.com/52yA5EOchQ
— Global Hoops Daily (@worldhoopsfan) July 27, 2024
The bulk of his 20 points came from the free throw line where he went 10-12. Overall, this wasn’t the game we’ve come to expect from Rui offensively, ending with only nailing four of his 19 attempts.
Rui will have a tough bounce-back game against the Wemby-led France.
The missed shots weren’t bad, so it’s very likely Rui will have a much better game offensively against France, but they will defend him much better so he won’t get as many open looks.
Rui’s defense still needs a lot more work, despite a couple of good moments, as a total, he still needs to work on it.
Japan needs to figure out ways to attack the rim more, they turned into too much of a jump-shooting team thanks to the size of Germany. If they can work around those obstacles, they’ll play better.
Japan will have a tough next matchup against France on Tuesday at 8:15 AM PT.
You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
