2018 FIBA Women's World Cup

[Dtown]

US looking incredibly vulnerable. Belgium regardless of the result should be immensely pleased with their world cup debut.

The US depth takes over again, taking a close game at halftime and once again turning it into a blowout.

[hoopscoop]

Since 1994 at wc the semifinal loss vs Brazil, 24 years at olympics and worlds, how many games the USA played how many games within a 10 points margin? It is one the most unbelievable records in sports ever.

[JGX]

US gonna need to get off to a good start for once in the final.

[JGX]

Since 1994 at wc the semifinal loss vs Brazil, 24 years at olympics and worlds, how many games the USA played how many games within a 10 points margin? It is one the most unbelievable records in sports ever.

1998 WC final: USA 71-65 Russia
2002 WC final: USA 79-74 Russia
2004 Oly semi: USA 66-62 Russia
2006 WC group: USA 90-80 Russia
2006 WC semi: USA 68-75 Russia
2010 WC group: USA 83-75 Australia

The 2010 game against Australia wasn't really as close as the final score indicates, but the 2012 semi against Australia (which the US won by 13) was a tough game, so it balances out.

[sinobball]

Hmmm... a lot of questionable calls

Spain playing excellent defense nonetheless

[sinobball]

Awesome game! Respect to Spain, super physical defense exposed Australia, limited Australian shooters and forced turnovers many of which they converted. But too many fouls also undermined them in the end.

Prima donna Cambage again showing her immaturity, which is unbelievable considering she is already 27. A couple of Shatin' a fool plays in the 4th, followed by a couple of Shaq moves. Gotta love it. This will be a good final.

[Mindozas]

Do you, guys, think Australia stands a chance vs USA? Missed lot of action of this World Cup, but looking at stats, the way some game goes is really hard to draw right conclusions. USA struggles in some qtrs, but then suddenly has one amazing one and decides the game in it, strange

[JGX]

IMO Australia has the best chance they've ever had of beating the US. Not necessarily the strongest Australian team ever, but the weakest US team since 2006.

[hoopscoop]

2006 is not an example of a „weak“ US side. Basically this US selection was clearly the best team in the tournament, but you have to lose 1 game of 100 over 24 years. Playing against Russia and Australia 10 times they win max 1 game. USA 2006 was absolutely dominating and not tested til the semifinal. Here falling back 14 points in the first 8 Minuten You lost Your cool and began pressing. Complicating matters were the defections of dominating inside players Leslie and Griffith, the back spasms of Swoopes, very short preparation time, the arrival of the last players on opening day of tournament and the most important one, the best players were the least experienced, Taurasi, Bird and Parker. But even with all this shadows team USA 2006 was a great one, absolutely in line with all the superb selections since 2004 til 2016. You could also make an argument that the bronze medal team 1992 was more talented than the 1996 edition.

[Dtown]

So far the USA has neutralized Cambage and that basically sums it up.

Also like every game in the knock out stage, the 3rd quarter absolutely belongs to the US.

[JGX]

The Opals second unit outperformed their starters because they actually moved the ball around and got penetration from their guards and the US has had trouble with those things defensively. The starters didn't seem to have a backup plan for Cambage not dominating individually.

US qualifies automatically for the 2020 Olympics but I think they still have to play in the qualifying tournaments in FIBA's new system. Would be a great opportunity to work in younger players but who knows what the scheduling will be like or who will want to show up.

[carlo]

Congrats to USA team winning the 3rd straight WC title, even if not at its best and in the process of rejuvenating its rosters. Fine tournament of newcomer Belgium and good results of African teams.

All-Five:

Taurasi
Meesseman
Cambage
Ndour
Stewart, MVP

Amazing year for Stewie, winning same honors after WNBA season and finals.

Griner named Player of the Game.