What a satisfying victory! Chinese men's basketball team overcame 5 vs. 8 odds! A huge comeback against Japan! The refereeing was utterly biased.

Playing away, the Chinese men's basketball team mounted a desperate second-half comeback, overcoming a 15-point deficit to win 87-80 against Japan.

They secured a crucial victory, gaining some initiative for qualification.

Brother Di briefly highlights a few points:

1. In my 20-year professional viewing career of FIBA events, this was the most biased game, pitch-dark.

The referees' "dedication" to officiating while seemingly blind was nauseating.

Even the Japanese team gave up, but those three officials didn't...

Challenges in an away game are understandable, but the bias was beyond imagination!

Of course, from our perspective, the most satisfying thing is winning!

Victory is the best response!

2. What changed for the Chinese team from their "stagnant" first half to their recovery and comeback in the second?

It's been said countless times: scoring below 80 points in FIBA makes winning damn difficult.

The second-half adjustment was simple yet profound: make the three-pointers.

Providing help in desperate need is far harder than adding to prosperity.

Thus, I believe the turning point was Shenzhen's "lightning rod" He Xining's two threes, which sounded the charge for the comeback.

Otherwise, it would have been time to pull the plug...

3. Zhao Jiwei played what I recall as his best game ever for the national team.

Calm and tough.

Truth be told, his own trusted men saved Coach Guo's skin.

A loss today would have had unimaginable consequences; Guo Shiqiang might have been sacked.

After all, public opinion wouldn't have tolerated it.

Zhao Jiwei's three-pointers were also crucial timely contributions.

4. Issues facing the Chinese men's basketball team.

First half: 33 points, 2/11 from three-point range, 7 turnovers.

Defensive rotations were slow, pick-and-rolls were endlessly exploited, perimeter players hesitated to shoot, and interior players couldn't hold position.

Offense relied on isolation plays, passing was sloppy, and assists were half of Japan's at halftime.

Japan overwhelmed us in the first half with speed, effort, accuracy, and chemistry.

It almost seemed like the team trained over Tencent Meeting or Feishu during the Spring Festival... they looked unfamiliar with each other.

One more point: perimeter players who hesitate on open shots in the future should not be selected for the national team.

Yes, I'm referring to Zhang Zhenlin, who was too hesitant.

5. Keeping Kirk on the court was vital for China.

His performance made him the best sixth man in the comeback, nearly exhausted by the end.

Hopefully, Japan will still use him as their naturalized player in the rematch...

6. The fighting spirit of Hu Jinqiu and Zhu Junlong.

These two Guangsha players truly gave their all, which moved me deeply.

I believe the fans saw it too.

7. The tactical adjustment in the second half.

The principle: "If you can beat me one-on-one, go ahead."

None of the Japanese players, including NBA-experienced Watanabe, had that capability.

8. This was a desperately needed win for the Chinese men's basketball team.

Nothing more to say. Against this opponent, for us ordinary fans, winning is pure joy!