Rui Hachimura Ejected in Japan's Olympic Loss

In a tightly contested Olympic basketball match, Japan faced off against France, with Rui Hachimura showcasing a standout performance until his ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct. Hachimura scored 24 points, significantly contributing to Japan's efforts, but was disqualified after receiving his second unsportsmanlike foul for pulling down Rudy Gobert's arm. This pivotal moment occurred with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter, leading to controversy over the officiating, as many considered the foul to be soft. Despite Hachimura's absence, Japan held a narrow lead before ultimately losing in overtime, with French player Matthew Strazel hitting a crucial three-pointer that tied the game. The game raised discussions about the differences in officiating standards between FIBA and the NBA, particularly regarding unsportsmanlike fouls. Japan aims to regroup as they move forward in the tournament after a loss to Germany in their opening match.