Phoenix’s new recruit Yuta Watanabe and his Japanese teammates loved an emphatic victory over Finland within the FIBA World Cup however the sharpshooter admitted he has been enjoying via damage.
“Talking about my leg, I’ve obtained quite a few recommendations to take a break and concentrate on the upcoming season,” he said on X. “Nonetheless, once I harm my leg within the video games towards Angola and Germany, I totally examined it and made certain it wasn’t a critical damage earlier than taking part. I’m continuing with warning. Relaxation assured, if there’s any concern, the teaching workers and our workforce physician will cease me.”
Watanabe had a noticeable limp on the finish of the sport and solely managed to attain 4 factors in half-hour, whereas his teammates Joshua Hawkinson (28 factors, 19 rebounds) and Yuki Kawamura (25, 9 assists) led the cost for Japan of their first ever win over a European workforce.
The host nation come again from 18 factors down and the gang cheering on from the stands helped to spur Japan into motion.
Watanabe was fairly essential of the gang after their first recreation towards Germany however was fast to reward the followers this time.
“The environment yesterday was nice,” Watanabe wrote. “I’m actually grateful to the individuals who purchased tickets in a rush and stuffed the seats. Particular point out goes to the unique ticket holders and the spirited supporters who remained undeterred, even within the face of quite a few empty seats in the course of the match towards Germany. Trying ahead to the subsequent recreation!”
The subsequent recreation Japan play will likely be towards Australia on Tuesday evening, which will likely be a must-win.
Examine the FIBA website to see what time the sport will likely be performed in your timezone and the place to observe it.
Following the World Cup marketing campaign, Watanabe will be a part of his former Nets teammate Kevin Durant in Phoenix for coaching camp.
