Rui Hachimura Scores 22 Points in Japan Basketball Return, Crushes Korea 88-68

Japan’s men’s basketball team crushed South Korea 88-68 on August 15 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, with NBA star Rui Hachimura scoring 22 points in his first national team game in two years. The 20-point margin is the largest Japan has ever achieved against Korea, surpassing the previous record of 17 points set in 1962. Hachimura, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, led a dominant performance that included a buzzer-beater with one second remaining in the third quarter.

Hachimura’s explosive return sets the tone

Hachimura opened the game decisively, hitting a jump shot just 15 seconds into the first quarter. He scored 9 points in the opening period alone, including two three-pointers, as Japan jumped to an 11-0 lead within 2 minutes 30 seconds. By halftime, Hachimura had established himself as the game’s dominant force, setting the stage for Japan’s commanding victory. Head coach Okutani Dai praised the star’s immediate impact: “The world’s highest level player with that decisiveness is Japan’s absolute weapon.”

Historic buzzer-beater caps dominant third quarter

With Japan leading 72-46 late in the third quarter, Hachimura delivered the game’s most memorable moment. Point guard Saito Takumi controlled the clock before passing to Hachimura on the left wing. After a brief drive, Hachimura launched a jump shot from the top of the key with exactly one second remaining. The ball arced through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the Ariake Arena crowd into a frenzy. Hachimura fell after releasing the shot but the basket counted, capping a third quarter where Japan outscored Korea by 26 points.

Korea’s historic defeat and Hachimura’s NBA context

South Korea’s 20-point loss represents the worst defeat in the nations’ basketball rivalry. According to Korean media outlet MK Sports, the previous record loss was 17 points in 1962 at the Jakarta Asian Games. Korea had defeated Japan 81-79 in a World Cup qualifier just one month earlier, but Hachimura was unavailable then after signing a two-year, $28 million contract with the Clippers in early July. The Clippers signed Hachimura after his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the Lakers ended in June. Hachimura played 23 minutes 40 seconds and added 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

Japan’s depth strengthens World Cup push

Hachimura was not alone in leading Japan’s charge. Clippers teammate Yuki Kawamura, a point guard who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Los Angeles on August 10, made his first appearance with Hachimura in a Japan uniform. Japan’s victory positions the team strongly for the World Cup final qualifiers. The two nations will meet again on August 16 in another international friendly, the SoftBank Cup 2026, with Hachimura expected to play.

Final Thoughts

Hachimura’s return transforms Japan’s basketball outlook heading into World Cup qualifiers. With the star’s dominant 22-point performance and the historic 20-point victory over Korea, Japan has signaled it can compete at the highest level when its NBA talent is available.

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