The United States crushed China in the final of the FIBA Women’s World Cup with a score of 83-61. Thanks to the combined 36 points of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the U.S. won their fourth straight gold medal. The former scored 19 points while the latter grabbed 17 points in the winning run.
Meanwhile, this was one of the most potent American teams in the illustrious history of the World Cup, which has already produced 11 gold medals for the country. Moreover, this is the first time a team has won four successive gold medals. In addition, they had previously won by 20 points twice, but this victory was also the greatest in a gold-medal game.
Wilson and Breanna Stewart are carrying the legacy of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Meanwhile, the dominance may last for years, with Alyssa Thomas being the oldest player at 30. Moreover, the Americans performed admirably during the tournament on both ends of the court, playing excellent defense and unleashing a potent attack.
Finished 8-0
The United States concluded the World Cup with eight consecutive victories, averaging 98.8 points, barely shy of the record-setting squad from 1994 that averaged 99.1. However, they beat the 2010 team’s record by winning by an average of 40.8 points.Meanwhile, the biggest crowd in the Women’s World Cup history watched the game in the final, as it was a sellout with approximately 16,000 spectators.
China Struggled
China remained in the shackles as the U.S. embarked on a 10-2 run highlighted by fast-break layups by Stewart and Wilson in the second quarter. She increased the lead to double digits as the Chinese team trailed 33-28 late. However, just before the buzzer signaled the end of the half, Jin Weina made a 3-pointer to bring China back within 10.
Meanwhile, with a 25-14 third-quarter advantage against China, the U.S. was too strong to allow the shock. However, the American team did have a frightening moment when Thomas collapsed following a collision with Li in the lane. She was assisted off the court, but she subsequently joined her team in the court.
Wu scored 13 points before leaving the game in the fourth quarter when her knee gave out while driving to the basket. Meanwhile, Li ended with 19 points. Off the court, she needed to be carried.
30th World Cup Victory in a Row
The Americans have won 30 straight games in World Cup competitions and haven’t lost since the 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. However, from 1959 until 1986, the Soviet Union won the World Cup 56 times in a row, setting a record. Meanwhile, only twice in their illustrious history have the Americans won four straight gold medal competitions. Moreover, they also did it between 1979 and 1990, taking three victories.
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