South Korea's men's national basketball team fell to Japan by a record 29 points in Tokyo on August 16, 2024, losing 95‑66. The defeat came just a day after an 88‑68 loss, marking the first time the Koreans have been outscored by double‑digit margins in 47 years.
A Historic Collapse
The margin shattered the previous high‑water mark of 17 points set at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games, and it stands as the heaviest loss ever recorded in the Korea‑Japan rivalry. Japan had also secured a victory the previous day on Liberation Day, completing a two‑game sweep.
The back‑to‑back defeats have placed the Korean side in a precarious position as they gear up for the second round of Asian qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the upcoming Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games. The results have also intensified scrutiny of the coaching staff.
Coaching Uncertainty
Nikolajs Mazurs, the first foreign head coach appointed to lead the Korean men's team, entered the tournament with a 1‑5 win‑loss record in his opening six games. His tenure has been marked by inconsistent performances, and the recent losses have reignited discussions about why head coach Ahn Jun‑ho’s contract was not renewed.
Compounding the situation, forward Lee Hyun‑jung was unavailable for the Tokyo matches after receiving an invitation to an NBA minicamp, forcing the Korean roster to adjust its lineup under pressure.
Japan, meanwhile, rested Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura for the Sunday contest, yet still managed to dominate with 24 points and six rebounds from guard Yuki Kawamura, who led the scoring effort.
The defeats underscore a challenging period for Korean basketball, but the team remains focused on turning the tide in upcoming fixtures that will determine its path toward the 2027 World Cup and the Asian Games.