Men's basketball: Three takeaways from Japan vs. Brazil

Japan has now lost all three of its games in the opening stages of the Olympics. They fell to Brazil 102-84 on Friday. This was Brazil's first win of the tournament. Neither team is likely to make it beyond the group stage.

Nevertheless, here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Bruno Caboclo was the best player on the floor

Caboclo was the best player on the floor. He ended the game with 33 points and 17 rebounds. Despite not playing in the NBA since the 2020-21 season, Caboclo's performance is a reminder of the talent gap between professionals and NBA-level talents. His dominant outing for Brazil will undoubtedly have made some front offices sit up and take notice.

2. No Rui Hachimura hurt Japan's chances

Japan's preparations for their game against Brazil were hampered when Rui Hachimura left the team's camp due to injury. He released a statement updating fans and explaining why he would be unable to compete in Japan's final group-stage game.

"As my injury required early treatment, I was unfortunately unable to accompany the team in accordance with NBA/FIBA rules," Hachimura said in a statement. "I would like to thank all the spectators who supported me at the venue, basketball fans around the world, and all the fans in Japan. I think that together with my teammates, we played a very good game for Japanese basketball. I am proud to have been able to play as a member of Akatsuki Japan."

Without Hachimura, Japan's chances of securing a win took a dramatic hit. The Los Angeles Lakers will now be hoping their forward can recover in time for training camp and will be available for the start of next season.

3. Brazil was lights out from deep

Brazil shot a ridiculous 61% from three-point range in their win over Japan. The team was 17-of-28 on the perimeter, allowing them to rapidly build and maintain a lead over their counterparts. Those types of shooting nights aren't unheard of; however, they're also not sustainable. Brazil simply found its rhythm from deep at the perfect time.

Now, regardless of whether they progress beyond the group stage —which is highly unlikely —they can hold their heads up high that they secured a win at the Olympics. For some teams, that will be more than enough.