Midway through the second quarter against Spain on Monday night, Japan managed to bounce back and successfully tie the game at 26-all when Yuki Togashi and Rui Hachimura knocked down consecutive 3-pointers.
And the Akatsuki Five showcased some other highlight-worthy plays like a Hachimura monster slam over Pau Gasol, another off-turnover dunk by Yudai Baba and back-to-back shots from behind the arc by Kosuke Kanamaru.
But overall, all the host nation took back from Saitama Super Arena was a harsh lesson in why their European opponent is the defending Olympic champion and ranks No. 2 in the world.