Japan's players seemed shell-shocked early on and it wound up costing them significantly in their first game at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Japan was unable to compete at its own rhythm on offense or defense and fell 86-67 against Turkey in Group E action at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center on Sunday evening.
The Akatsuki Five, who are playing in the sport's global extravaganza for the first time since the 2006 edition in Japan, displayed some first-game jitters with three straight turnovers right after the tipoff. The Asian representatives had six turnovers in the opening quarter and added four more by the end of the first half, eventually compiling 14 overall.