The South Korean men's national basketball team, led by head coach Nikolais Mazuls, defeated host nation Japan to claim the top of Asian Games basketball for the first time in 12 years. It was an 'undefeated championship' completed without losing a single game.

South Korea defeated Japan in the final of the men's basketball tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on the 20th, claiming the gold medal.

The game was tightly contested from the start. South Korea recorded a 28-28 tie through the second quarter, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, the mood completely shifted from the third quarter as 'ace' Lee Hyun-jung began to heat up with his shooting.

With this victory, South Korean men's basketball reclaimed the Asian throne for the first time in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. It is the country's fifth Asian Games gold medal overall in the sport. In particular, this championship achieved under coach Mazuls carries added significance, as it marks South Korean men's basketball's return to the top of Asia.

Earlier, South Korea cruised past Iran 77-51 in the semifinals to reach the final, and by overcoming Japan, the last hurdle, completed its 'golden journey.'