Although Iran made the game challenging, Spain ultimately came out on top in their final Group G match at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The score of 85-65 marked Spain’s 11th consecutive victory in World Cup games, a streak that goes back to the 2019 tournament and matches their longest winning run spanning the 2002 and 2006 events.
Despite Iran’s main focus being on defending against Willy Hernangomez and Juan Nunez, this created an opportunity for Juancho Hernangomez to shine, delivering his best performance of the tournament with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in an impressive all-around effort. Santi Aldama also caught attention with his 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Iran, on the other hand, was led by up-and-coming talent Mohammad Amini, who contributed 19 points to their efforts.
“We want to congratulate Victor for his birthday and for being a role model for our young players,” Spain coach Sergio Scariolo said. “We also congratulate Rudy Fernandez for being the player with the most presence in the history of our national team. I would advise our young players to look at these guys now at the end of their careers.
“They are still playing team basketball and helping their team to win. This is maybe the first game of my career when I didn’t call a timeout because I wanted the players to figure it out. They need to be the ones to huddle and find a way. I think they did it.”
Watch the game highlights between Iran and Spain in the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:
