July 27, 2024
Watanabe produced 16 points (6-13 FG, 4-9 3Pt), two blocks and one assist across 34 minutes in Japan's 97-77 loss to Germany in the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Watanabe served as one of Japan's top options in its blowout loss to Germany, and he had an efficient outing from beyond the arc Saturday. The 29-year-old's status was up in the air due to a calf injury, but he played through it and was on the court for nearly the entire contest. Watanabe and Japan will look to bounce back against France on Tuesday, and a successful Olympic campaign could help him land on an NBA roster this upcoming season.