Team USA Women’s Basketball Thrives Amid Rankings and Opinions

Team USA women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson remained unfazed by external opinions as her team crushed Hungary 108-56 in the FIBA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals on Thursday.

During the press conference, Lawson addressed a question about a recent power ranking potentially providing her team with motivation for the tournament’s final stage. Lawson revealed she was unaware of the ranking but acknowledged those who might favor France, perceived as a stronger team during group play.

This is a big tournament. People express opinions on potential winners, losers, and teams they support or criticize. That is part of what makes sport exciting,” Lawson said. “Though such rankings are popular, we focus internally on our game.

FIBA’s revised “Smart Power Rankings” placed France above the United States after the group stage. The Americans dropped to second following their narrow 55-52 win against Italy, marking their lowest scoring performance since the 3-point line’s introduction in 1984.

The ranking highlighted America’s developing court chemistry but included a disclaimer clarifying the ranking’s subjectivity. Lawson praised France for its impressive World Cup run, acknowledging their potential for success.

France further demonstrated its prowess with a commanding 90-61 quarterfinal victory over China. They remain on a path leading to a possible encounter with the United States in the championship.

A pivotal concern for Lawson’s team was the starting lineup’s composition. Lawson did not directly address this matter following the team’s victory. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese continued to come off the bench, while Lawson started veteran players Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart.

Lawson faced criticism from fans over her steadfast approach to maintaining the veteran lineup. Despite this, the strategy bore fruit against Hungary.

The U.S. team scored 36 points in the first quarter, leading 59-30 at halftime. They shot 59% from the field, converted 12 of 23 3-point attempts, and recorded 31 assists on 40 baskets. The 108 points set a record for points in a Women’s World Cup quarterfinal, and they became the first team to achieve 30 assists at this tournament stage.

Collier excelled with 19 points and six rebounds, while Caitlin Clark narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine assists in 20 minutes. Reese contributed nine points, six rebounds, and three assists, and Bueckers added seven points and three assists.

The victory extended the Americans’ World Cup winning streak to 34 games, preserving their unbeaten status since the 2006 semifinals loss to Russia. Lawson’s team will play the winner of Thursday’s quarterfinal between Australia and Spain in the upcoming semifinal on Saturday. The team is two wins away from a fifth consecutive World Cup title.