Iran win Asian Games basketball bronze amid emotional scenes
Players celebrate podium finish that brings exemption from conscription, saying the pressure was 'out of this world'.
NAGOYA: South Korea secured a thrilling victory in the men's basketball final at the Asian Games, defeating Japan with a score of 67-57 on Sunday. Lee Hyun-jun was the star of the show, contributing 27 points, including five from beyond the three-point line. The Koreans' triumph was marked by their ability to maintain composure despite Japan's efforts, with the crowd's support playing a pivotal role.
Lee expressed his immense gratitude towards his teammates, acknowledging their collective strength. The first half ended in a 28-28 draw, but the Koreans' experience shone through as they took control in the third quarter, leading 55-47. The emotional celebration at the buzzer was particularly poignant for South Korea, their first basketball gold since 2014 and their fourth in Asian Games history.
In contrast, Iran secured bronze in basketball after a late fightback against China, who led 31-29 at halftime. Iran's Arsalan Kazemi, the first Iranian drafted by an NBA team, praised his team's resilience, acknowledging the immense pressure they faced.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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