Top 5 Unforgettable Moments from 2023 Asian Games Basketball Tournament

Looking back at the 2023 Asian Games basketball tournament, I still get chills remembering how it all unfolded. As someone who’s covered international hoops for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of the most emotionally charged tournaments I’ve witnessed—full of underdog stories, buzzer-beaters, and moments that reminded us why we love this game. The energy in Hangzhou was electric, and the narratives that emerged went far beyond the final scores. If I had to pick just five moments that defined the entire competition, it wouldn’t be easy, but a few stand out vividly in my memory.

One unforgettable moment came during the semifinal clash between Jordan and the Philippines. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a former NBA player who’d taken his talents to Jordan, absolutely took over in the fourth quarter. With under three minutes left and his team down by six, he sank a contested three-pointer, stole the inbound pass, and finished with a reverse layup—all in under 15 seconds. The arena erupted. I remember thinking, this is what international basketball is about—raw passion and individual brilliance lifting an entire nation. Jordan eventually won that game 95–92, and Hollis-Jefferson finished with 34 points. It wasn’t just his stat line; it was the sheer will he displayed. Moments like that remind you why players cross continents to represent their heritage.

Then there was China’s stunning last-second victory over South Korea in the group stage. Zhang Zhenlin, relatively unheralded coming into the tournament, drove baseline and threw down a monstrous dunk over two defenders with just 1.8 seconds on the clock. The arena went silent for a split second before exploding. I’ve seen plenty of game-winners, but the audacity of that play—in such a high-stakes matchup—left me speechless. China won 84–83, and that dunk instantly became a viral sensation. From my perspective, it wasn’t just a highlight; it symbolized China’s renewed aggression under pressure, something they’d sometimes lacked in past tournaments.

The gold medal game between Jordan and the Philippines deserves its own chapter. With Jordan leading by two and only seconds remaining, Justin Brownlee—who’d been relatively quiet—launched a desperation three from way beyond the arc. Swish. The Philippines won 70–69, and Brownlee’s shot will be replayed for years. I spoke with a scout afterward who admitted being surprised by the Hotshots’ move to gamble on him earlier in his career, given his unproven status in FIBA play. But here he was, delivering when it mattered most. That gamble paid off in the most dramatic way imaginable, and it’s a testament to how unpredictable and rewarding sports can be.

Another moment that resonated with me was Japan’s narrow 78–76 win over Iran, thanks largely to Yuki Togashi’s 28-point explosion. At just 5'6", Togashi dominated much taller defenders with his lightning-quick handles and fearless drives. I’ve always had a soft spot for undersized players who defy expectations, and Togashi’s performance was a masterclass in skill over stature. He shot 60% from the field that game, including four three-pointers. It wasn’t just a win; it felt like a statement—that heart and fundamentals can overcome physical disadvantages.

Finally, I can’t forget the bronze medal match where South Korea edged out Chinese Taipei 88–85 in double overtime. The game had everything: lead changes, clutch free throws, and a controversial no-call in the final minute. What stood out to me, though, was Heo Hoon’s leadership down the stretch. He scored 12 of his 26 points in the overtimes, including a step-back jumper that ultimately sealed the win. As a longtime observer of Asian basketball, I’ve watched Heo evolve, and this felt like his arrival on the big stage. The resilience both teams showed—playing exhausted, fighting for every possession—epitomized the spirit of the Games.

Reflecting on these moments, what strikes me most is how the 2023 Asian Games blended individual heroics with collective dreams. It wasn’t just about who won gold; it was about stories like Brownlee’s redemption arc or Togashi’s defiance of norms. Personally, I left the tournament feeling optimistic about the future of Asian basketball. The level of competition has clearly risen, and the emotional depth of these games proves that the sport is thriving here. If you missed any of it, I’d recommend watching the highlights—you’ll see exactly what I mean.