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France is a strong candidate for a medal in men's basketball at the Paris Olympics, and their home games are particularly popular. On Tuesday, the French faced Japan in their second game of group play, and they found themselves in an unexpected dogfight with a Japanese team captained by Rui Hachimura.
The Toyama native came out scorching for his team, scoring 24 points in 22 minutes as Japan closed the gap on France to 72-70 with 8:31 remaining. However, at that very time, Hachimura drew down French center Rudy Gobert as he attempted a layup. Rui Hachimurat was ejected from the game after committing his second unsportsmanlike penalty.
Throughout the game, there was back-and-forth action, with Hachimura leading the way for Japan with 24 points early in the fourth quarter. However, after Rudy Gobert was knocked down and his arm was pulled down, the Japanese star and Lakers wing were ejected for his second unsportsmanlike foul. Hachimura's night was ended when the officials reviewed the call and decided that it was an unsportsmanlike foul.
Watch here the video:
Rui Hachimura was ejected from the Japan-France game after picking up his 2nd unsportsmanlike foul.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2024
He pulled down Rudy Gobert's arm on a layup attempt and after review, it was ruled unsportsmanlike by the refs.
Good or bad ejection? 🤔pic.twitter.com/jocZR8WUzi
He had previously received one in the third quarter for bringing Bilal Coulibaly to the ground. Although the FIBA definition of an unsportsmanlike violation differs from that of an NBA Flagrant, this appeared to be a rather minor foul to result in a removal. Gobert's fall to the floor didn't assist Hachimura's cause, but it felt more like the big guy stumbled and lost his balance than being brutally shoved to the ground.
Japan lost to Germany in first group stage match
Hachimura competed for Japan in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the host nation placed eleventh overall. Guard Yuki Kawamura filled in for him, scoring 26 points in regulation despite Gobert and teammate center Victor Wembanyama's massive frame.
Hachimura played 28 minutes and finished with 24 points (7/11 on 2-point shots, 3/5 on 3-point shots, and 1/2 on free throws) and 3 rebounds before leaving the game. Japan's opening match against Germany ended in a 77-97 loss, despite Hachimura's double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.