Rui Hachimura Returns to Japan National Team After 758 Days, Drops 29 Points in Dominant Win

　　In the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group F, Japan (ranked 22nd in the world) traveled to face Saudi Arabia in the early hours of the 28th. The spotlight was on Rui Hachimura, who returned to the national team after 758 days and recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA starter showcased a clear "level difference," going 11-of-14 from the field for a game-high 29 points, leading Japan to a 106-78 blowout victory and their fifth win in the qualifiers.

　　Making his first national team appearance since the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hachimura started alongside Yuki Kawamura, Yudai Baba, Josh Hawkinson, and Yudai Nishida. From the opening tip, Hachimura displayed his NBA-caliber value, hitting mid-range jumpers, turnaround fadeaways, and powerful one-handed dunks. He helped Japan build an 11-point lead in the first quarter.

　　After the break, Hachimura caught fire, making 10 consecutive field goals at one point. He powered the "Samurai" to a 34-12 third-quarter run that iced the game. Playing just 27 minutes and 42 seconds, Hachimura shot 11-of-14 overall (3-of-4 from three), finishing with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, shooting 78.6% from the field with a staggering plus-minus of +36.

　　Beyond Hachimura's monster performance, naturalized player Josh Hawkinson also found his range, hitting all three of his three-point attempts for 21 points. Japan shot the lights out from beyond the arc and committed only 2 turnovers as a team, demonstrating elite execution to secure the road win.

　　Notably, after the Paris Olympics, Hachimura publicly criticized the Japan Basketball Association's commercial operations and former head coach Tom Hovasse, causing turmoil in Japanese basketball. He delayed his national team call-up until February, when new head coach Toru Todoroki personally visited the U.S. multiple times to clear the air and facilitate his return.

　　After the game, Todoroki praised Hachimura: "To win on the world stage, the key is finishing ability. Hachimura showed strong individual scoring and also elevated the team's movement. That's the basketball we envision."

　　Hachimura's stellar performance delighted his new team, the Los Angeles Clippers, whose official X account posted four times after the game to celebrate him, hoping he carries this hot form back to the NBA. Japan now sits second in Group F with a 5-2 record, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup. They will return home to face Qatar in Tokyo on March 31, continuing their push for the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.