• Date:
  • Category: Sport

On July 3, 2026, the Chinese men's national basketball team suffered a humiliating 73-92 home loss to Japan at the Liaoning Indoor Stadium in Shenyang during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The 19-point margin marked China's largest-ever defeat to Japan in FIBA-level competitions.

Game Overview

China started the game competitively, trailing just 21-22 after the first quarter. However, the team's offense unraveled in the second quarter as Japan's aggressive defense forced multiple turnovers and transition baskets, giving the visitors a 50-40 halftime lead. Japan extended their advantage throughout the second half, controlling the game's tempo with an up-tempo offense and accurate outside shooting, ultimately cruising to a decisive victory.

Key Factors in the Loss

Despite holding a clear size advantage in the paint with NBA center Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers) and CBA All-Star Hu Jinqiu, China struggled to neutralize Japan's run-and-gun style. The Japanese team's sharp-shooting proved devastating, hitting 12 three-pointers at 40 percent accuracy, while China managed only six threes on 23.1 percent shooting.

China's perimeter defense was repeatedly broken down by Japan's ball movement and off-ball cuts, orchestrated around naturalized center Joshua Hawkinson, who scored a game-high 27 points. Hawkinson's ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting made it difficult for Chinese big men Hu Jinqiu (15 points) and Yang Hansen (9 points in limited minutes) to contain him.

China's backcourt also underperformed, with Zhao Jiwei shooting 1-of-7 and He Xining 5-of-15. The team's offensive flow lacked cohesion, with few successful plays executed despite over a month of training together.

Head Coach's Responsibility

Chinese head coach Guo Shiqiang took full responsibility for the defeat at the post-game press conference, stating, "I selected the players, I led the training and I coached the game, so as head coach, I take full responsibility for the loss". He acknowledged that his young squad—averaging just 24.8 years old compared to Japan's 28.9—lacked the international experience and composure needed at this level.

Critical Situation Ahead

With this loss, China slipped to fourth place in Group B with a 2-3 record, tied with both South Korea and Chinese Taipei but sitting bottom due to an inferior points differential. Japan leads the group with a 4-1 record and has secured advancement.

China now faces a do-or-die match against Chinese Taipei on July 6 in Goyang, South Korea, where only a victory will secure advancement to Phase Two of the qualifiers. A defeat would eliminate China from World Cup qualification for only the second time since 1978.