Yuta Watanabe after crucial win vs Venezuela: 'I'm proud of us' / News - Basketnews.com

Watanabe was proud of the effort and fight the roster showed. Now, only one game separates Japan from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Once again, Japan needed a miracle. Once again, they eliminated a huge deficit to get a win.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Yuki Kawamura Points 19 Accuracy 6-11 Rebounds 4 Assists 11

Makoto Hiejima hit multiple clutch three-pointers, Yuki Kawamura played hero minutes, and Yuta Watanabe was the leadership figure behind it all. With the second win of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Japan is now one win away from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

After the game, Watanabe said he didn't even have to be in the press conference.

"I'm not gonna lie - Makoto should be here. I know he can speak English - he played in Australia. I don't know why I'm here," the Phoenix Suns forward joked.

"It was a great win. Venezuela is a talented team, they have a lot of guys that have a lot of experience," he said about the game. "It was a tough game, but we never gave up. We fought for 40 minutes and got the win. I'm proud of us."

With one game remaining for all Asian teams, only China can snatch the Olympic ticket away from Japan. On Saturday, Japan plays against Cabo Verde, while China battles against the Philippines.

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