USA Claims Fourth Straight Women’s World Cup Gold Medal with Victory over China
October 1, 2022 – Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – Minnesota Lynx News Release
The USA won the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medal by defeating China 83-61 in Sydney. The Americans are winners of four straight World Cup gold medals and are winners of 30-straight games at the event.
USA Claims Fourth Straight Women’s World Cup Gold Medal With Victory Over China
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USA 83, CHN 61
The USA won the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medal by defeating China 83-61 in Sydney. The Americans are winners of four straight World Cup gold medals and are winners of 30-straight games at the event.
By winning the World Cup, the USA qualifies for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The 22-point win set the record for the largest margin of victory in a Women’s World Cup Final (previous 20: USA over Czech Republic 89-69 in 2010; USA over Soviet Union 108-88 in 1986).
The U.S. took its first double figure lead in the second quarter 29-18 on an Ariel Atkins 3-pointer. The USA carried a 10-point lead into halftime, 43-33.
The USA maintained the double-digit lead throughout the second half. The U.S. lead grew to as much as 29 points (78-49) in the third quarter.
The victory marks the first gold medal for the USA under head coach Cheryl Reeve.
The attendance for the Final was 15,895.
Australia defeated Canada 95-65 in the bronze medal game.
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TEAM NOTES
The Gold Standard: The USA claimed its fourth straight FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medal. The 2022 U.S. squad had an unblemished 8-0 record in Sydney, including two victories over the silver medalist China.
The U.S. has won gold at 11 World Cups (2022, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2002, 1998, 1990, 1986, 1979, 1957, 1953).
Chicken Dinner: The United States is on a 30-game winning streak at the Women’s World Cup (dating back to 2006). During the current streak, the Americans have won four gold medals with victories in the Final over China (83-61, 2022), Australia (73-56, 2018), Spain (77-64, 2014) and Czech Republic (89-69, 2010).
The streak is second to the Soviet Union’s record of 56 (1959-75).
Good As Gold: FIBA announced that the 2022 Women’s World Cup MVP was Wilson.
Additionally, Stewart and Wilson were named to the 2022 Women’s World Cup All-Star Five. Joining them on the list is Han Xu (China), Steph Talbot (Australia) and Bridget Carleton (Canada).
All I Do Is Win: After tonight’s result, the USA improves to 8-0 all-time against China at the Women’s World Cup (dating back to 1983). The U.S. also defeated China 77-63 in the Group Phase earlier this week.
We Are The Champions: A total of 14 athletes in the history of USA Basketball won a Women’s World Cup and WNBA Championship in the same year. The Las Vegas Aces trio of Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson join players of the 2018 Seattle Storm (Sue Bird, Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart), 2014 Phoenix Mercury (Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi), 2010 Seattle Storm (Bird, Swin Cash), 2002 Los Angeles Sparks (Tamecka Dixon, Lisa Leslie, DeLisha Milton) and 1998 Houston Comets (Tina Thompson).
Bird is the only athlete to accomplish the feat twice (2018, 2010).
Unstoppable: The U.S. shot 44.5% (33-74 FG) from the floor, 37.5% (9-24 3FG) from 3-point range and 72.7% (8-11 FT) from the line. China shot 42.8% (24-56 FG) from the field and 31.2% (5-16 3FG) from 3 and 80.0% (8-10 FT) at the charity stripe.
PLAYER NOTES
Golden Girls: The reigning WNBA Champion trio Gray, Plum and Wilson gave the U.S. an elite effort on both ends of the court. Gray, named the Player of the Game, scored 10 points and recorded eight assists and three steals. Plum came off the bench to score 17 points and dish out three assists. Wilson was sensational with a 19 points and five rebounds effort.
Heart of Gold: Stewart won her third Women’s World Cup title, becoming the eighth player to win at least three gold medals. She joins Bird (four), Tina Charles (three) and Taurasi (three) on the list of three-time gold medalists.
In the Final, the USA captain scored nine points to go with six rebounds and six assists.
Simply The Best: Polishing a complete effort at the Women’s World Cup, Thomas finished the competition averaging 9.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Tonight, she impacted the game by grabbing a team-high nine rebounds to go with five points and two assists.
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Guard Kahleah Copper (left hip) did not play.
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A complete game recap will be posted on usabasketball.com
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