Mathias Lessor praised teammate Matthew Strazel's crucial performance in France's victory over Japan, highlighting Strazel's readiness and experience despite his age. Lessor emphasized the importance of the win and the team's focus on moving forward.
Following France's thrilling victory over Japan, Mathias Lessort highlighted Matthew Strazel's significant contribution.
With just 16 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and trailing by four points, Strazel stepped up and scored a 3+1 play, tying the game at 84.
"He played great for us tonight. He was ready to step up big, even though he's one of the youngest guys in the competition," Lessort told Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews after the game.
"He showed that he's been playing at this high level for many years, and every game, somebody different is going to step up and be crucial and big for us. And tonight, he was the main factor and the X factor," Lessort added.
Reflecting on the pivotal shot made by his teammate, Lessort continued praising the 21-year-old. When France was down by four at the end of regulation, Lessort was hoping for a miracle.
"We needed a miracle, and he made it happen. Kudos to him. He's been playing at this level since I don't know, 17 or 16. So he's really experienced even though he's really young, and that shot was big. He had the 'balls' to take that shot, and he made it, and he saved us," Lessort concluded.
Despite struggles in the group stage, Lessort focused on the importance of the win and securing the spot in the Paris Olympics playoffs.
"The way forward, the win, and the qualification—that's what we have to remember," he said. Obviously, we didn't play the game we wanted, but we got the result that we wanted.
France-Japan highlights:
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