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Olympic basketball viewers were infuriated with officiating in France’s recent matchup with Japan. They’re crying “home cooking” after seeing the heavily favored host country escape with an overtime win.
France entered the contest with an expectation to win, boasting the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. Japan wasn’t backing down!
Current Los Angeles Laker Rui Hachimura did most of the damage, carrying the Japanese squad for much of the game. The forward made 10 of his 16 shots from the field, including a trio of three-point attempts, to total 24 points.
His stifling defense was also key in keeping Team France at bay, though it would eventually lead to his ejection.
Hachimura landed his second “unsportsmanlike” foul late in the action – neither of which appeared to be all that egregious. Interestingly enough, it came immediately after he drilled back-to-back treys.
With Hachimura out of the game, Team Japan continued to battle.
They held a four-point lead in the final seconds before another controversial call would benefit France.
France tied the game on a late foul call after Rui Hachimura’s ejection.
Trailing 84-80 with less than 15 seconds remaining, Team France hoisted a three-point prayer, which was answered – and more!
Not only did the shot fall, but a foul was called offering a four-point opportunity to tie. Replays showed that there was no contact. It didn’t matter!
The free throw was made, and the game sent into overtime. France would win, 94-90.
There were a number of upset reactions to follow.
“Rui Hachimura just got kicked out of Japan vs. France for two INSANELY WEAK flagrants”
“France conveniently gets a 4-point play when no one touches the shooter down 4 when the game was over… Japan got robbed.”
“France is getting the craziest home-cooking basketball officiating in recent memory.”
“Refs just ejected Rui Hachimura for an unsportsmanlike foul. An absolutely horrendous decision. Beyond absurd.”
Fans were angry with both the four-point game-tying play and the Rui Hachimura ejection. Both benefitted France, who won in OT in front of the home crowd.
A tough loss for Team Japan.