NBA Japan Games 2022: Complete Schedule, Teams and Match Results

As a lifelong NBA fan who's been following international games for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by how these global showcases reveal the human side of basketball. When the NBA Japan Games 2022 rolled around, I found myself particularly drawn to the stories behind the scores - especially after coming across that poignant quote from Nambatac that really stuck with me. Let me walk you through what made these games special, starting with the most basic question everyone had.

What exactly were the NBA Japan Games 2022 about? Well, imagine my excitement when I learned the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards would be playing two preseason games at Saitama Super Arena on September 30 and October 2. These marked the NBA's first games in Japan since 2019, and honestly, the energy was palpable even through my screen. The league scheduled these as proper preseason contests, meaning we'd get to see both teams' stars in meaningful minutes rather than just exhibition play. Having watched international NBA games since 2007, I can tell you these Japan games always have this electric atmosphere - Japanese fans are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate in a way that always surprises players.

Which teams participated and what was the complete schedule? The NBA Japan Games 2022 featured the defending champions Golden State Warriors versus the Washington Wizards in a two-game series. Game 1 occurred on Friday, September 30 at 7:00 PM Japan Standard Time (that's 6:00 AM EST for us early risers in the States). Game 2 followed on Sunday, October 2 at 7:00 PM JST. Both games took place at Saitama Super Arena, which holds approximately 22,500 fans for basketball games. I remember setting my alarm for those early morning viewings - totally worth losing sleep over seeing Steph Curry and Jordan Poole face their former teammate!

What were the actual match results? The Warriors took Game 1 with a 96-87 victory in what I'd describe as a typical preseason affair - sloppy at times but with flashes of brilliance. Game 2 saw Washington bounce back with a 104-95 win, which honestly made the series more interesting than most preseason matchups. The statistics that stood out to me: Jordan Poole led all scorers in Game 1 with 24 points, while Bradley Beal dropped 26 in Game 2. What these numbers don't show is how both teams were clearly working through rotations and testing combinations - which brings me to that Nambatac quote that's been living in my head since I first read it.

How did player fitness and mentality factor into these games? This is where things get really interesting to me as someone who's played competitive basketball. When I saw Nambatac's statement - "Parang mahirap naman din kung pipilitin ko. For me naman, kaya ko maglaro kahit hindi 100 percent. But then again nga, nangyari 'yung mga ganito which is out of control na sa aming mga players" - it perfectly captured the preseason dilemma. Translated from Filipino, he's essentially saying how difficult it is when players force themselves to play through injuries, acknowledging they can perform below 100% capacity, but recognizing some situations are beyond players' control. During the NBA Japan Games 2022, we saw this play out with several guys clearly not at full fitness but competing anyway. The Warriors were managing minutes for their veteran core, while the Wizards had players working back from offseason procedures. It's this delicate balance between honoring the international fans who've paid to see stars play versus protecting players' long-term health.

Why are international games like NBA Japan Games 2022 so crucial despite being "just preseason"? Having attended the 2019 NBA Japan Games in person, I can testify these events are about so much more than basketball. The cultural exchange, the global growth of the game, the once-in-a-lifetime experience for international fans - these elements transform what might be routine preseason games into something magical. The Nambatac quote resonates here because it reminds us that players face tremendous pressure to perform in these showcase events, even when not at peak condition. During the NBA Japan Games 2022, you could see how much it meant to Japanese fans to see Curry's warmup routine in person or watch Rui Hachimura play in his home country. These moments create lifelong NBA fans, and the league knows it.

What was the local reception like in Japan? From following Japanese basketball Twitter and reading local coverage, the excitement was through the roof. Ticket prices on the secondary market reached as high as $800 for floor seats, which is insane for preseason games but speaks to the demand. The NBA Japan Games 2022 generated approximately $15 million in local economic impact - hotels, restaurants, and merchandise sales all saw significant bumps. What impressed me most was how Japanese fans maintained incredible energy throughout both games, cheering for spectacular plays from both teams rather than partisan rooting. This sportsmanship reflects the unique basketball culture in Japan that more fans should experience.

How do these games affect players' approach to the upcoming season? Here's where Nambatac's words hit hardest for me. When he spoke about things being "out of control" for players, it mirrors how NBA stars must navigate preseason expectations. For the NBA Japan Games 2022, players were dealing with jet lag, unfamiliar facilities, and intense scrutiny while trying to build chemistry and fitness. I noticed Stephen Curry playing heavier minutes than I expected - 25 in Game 1 - which suggests even superstars feel obligated to deliver for international crowds. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porziņģis sat out Game 2, demonstrating the careful balancing act teams perform between entertainment value and player protection.

What lasting impact will the NBA Japan Games 2022 have? Beyond the immediate results, these games plant seeds for basketball's future in Japan. The NBA estimates that participation in youth basketball programs typically increases by 18-22% following international games. Having witnessed this growth pattern after previous international games, I'm confident we'll see more Japanese players following Rui Hachimura's path to the NBA. The Nambatac quote ultimately serves as a reminder that while we celebrate the spectacle of events like the NBA Japan Games 2022, we should also appreciate the human element - these athletes navigating physical limits, professional obligations, and the unpredictable nature of sports across global stages.

Looking back, what made the NBA Japan Games 2022 memorable wasn't just the basketball itself, but how it highlighted the sport's continuing globalization and the very real human experiences of those who play it at the highest level. As someone who's followed these international games for years, I can confidently say this year's edition delivered both thrilling basketball and meaningful stories that will resonate long after the final buzzer sounded in Saitama.