In a dominant showing in Sydney, the United States secured a fourth consecutive world title, extending their historic lead on the global stage with an 83-61 win over China in a riveting final that underscored their depth and precision. The Americans controlled the tempo from the opening tip and never allowed the game to slip into doubt, building a commanding lead that left little room for a convincing Chinese counterpunch as the clock ticked down. The atmosphere in the arena reflected a nation’s pride in basketball excellence, a moment where national color and team cohesion blended into a triumphant chorus of applause and validation.
The USA squad dictated the flow throughout the encounter, sweeping through each segment with a blend of rigorous defense and efficient offense. They pressed at every transition, locked in on team defense, and kept their foot on the accelerator long after the outcome was clear. Even as substitutes checked in and the bench began to celebrate, the focus remained sharp, and the performance remained crisp. The game’s rhythm was a study in balance: relentless pressure when needed, and calculated execution during crunch time, a reminder of why this unit has become synonymous with sustained excellence in international women’s basketball. (Source: FIBA)
China, guided by Spanish head coach Cesar Rupérez, attempted to force a different rhythm and challenge the American approach. The coach experimented with alignment on the bench and sought to disrupt the Americans with strategic mismatches and a plan to rebound more effectively, but the gap in technique and scoring efficiency proved too wide. Chinese players battled hard under the rim and on the perimeter, yet their post presence and shooting consistency did not yield the required seven-point swing to swing the momentum in their favor. The difference in execution became evident as the game progressed, even as the Chinese side showed moments of promising ball movement and defensive resilience. (Source: FIBA)
A’ja Wilson led the American charge with an average of 19 points and a solid contribution on the glass, complemented by strong floor leadership in the backcourt. Kelsey Plum contributed 17 points and demonstrated versatility with timely scoring and steady perimeter play, while Chelsea Gray added an all-around impact, finishing with 10 points and 8 assists while orchestrating the offense in critical stretches. The performance profile painted a familiar picture: a balanced attack where multiple players posed a legitimate scoring threat, making it difficult for defenses to fixate on any single option. The final scoreline reflected not only elite shooting and playmaking but also a disciplined, collective mindset that has defined this era of Team USA basketball. (Source: FIBA)
From the Chinese perspective, Yueru Li emerged as the most effective inside option, tallying 19 points, 12 rebounds, and a notable contribution on the defensive glass and overall impact rating. Tongtong Wu and Siyu Wang joined Li in contributing double-digit scoring, but their output, while respectable, could not consistently counterbalance the American perimeter firepower or the hungry, disciplined approach that carried the day for the United States. The team’s effort showcased a genuine will to compete at the highest level, even when faced with an opponent many consider among the sport’s elite—an important reminder of how far Chinese women’s basketball has progressed on the world stage. (Source: FIBA)