Red-hot Lee Jung-hyun powers Korea past Japan in Asian Games Group Phase

NAGOYA, Japan — A red-hot performance from KBL MVP Lee Jung-hyun carried Korea to victory over Japan in the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Sunday, defeating its rival 100-83 at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

The host side may have been without many of its first-choice players, but Korea still found itself in a tough battle. Japan used its naturalized players to its advantage in the paint as Korea struggled from long range.

But Korea’s shooting woes finally ended late in the third quarter once Lee sank a three-pointer with 1:39 on the clock to bring Korea within one point. Then he caught fire from beyond the perimeter with three consecutive shots from deep.

Lee scored 12 points in less than two minutes and helped Korea close the third quarter with a 71-66 lead. Korea found an even better rhythm offensively in the fourth and pulled away for a convincing 100-83 victory. Lee led all Korean scorers with 25 points, including five 3-pointers.

“It was an important game that would decide first place in the group, and it wasn’t easy from the start,” said Lee. “Their naturalized player posed a tough matchup, but our frontcourt players battled hard down low and gave us second chances with their work on the board. Our guards were also aggressive on the perimeter and did a great job finding open shots.”

Lee had struggled to find the basket in Korea’s first two Group A matches. He scored just 10 points combined — a quiet start by the reigning MVP’s standards.

“I couldn't sink shots at all, but I felt good physically, so I never lost confidence,” said Lee. “Today I tried to be more aggressive from the start, and once I saw a few shots go in, my confidence grew. My teammates seemed to realize I had found my rhythm, and they kept setting screens and putting me in good positions to score.”

Korean basketball has struggled to recapture its continental success since winning gold in 2014 at the Asian Games Incheon. Lee and his teammates are chasing their first title in 12 years.

“Our goal is to win the Asian Games,” said Lee. “I think the tournament starts now. We’ll give everything we have to get the results we want in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.”

BY KIM HYO-KYOUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]