By the end of Thursday, only four teams will still be standing in the FIBA World Cup. Out of all the insane talent hitting the floor in Berlin for these quarter-final matchups, four players are gonna have the biggest say in who moves on to Saturday’s semi-finals. We’re talking absolute game-changers here, folks, and frankly, I’m already hyped to see how this shakes out.
Team USA’s Secret Weapon? Aliyah Boston’s Total Domination
Team USA versus Hungary at 5:30 a.m. ET on TNT and truTV? Honestly, this one *should* be a guaranteed victory for the U.S., but don’t sleep on Hungary’s twin towers. Dorka Juhász and Virgas Takacs-Kiss, both clocking in at 6-foot-4, have been carrying Hungary in these quarters. But here’s the thing: while every single one of Team USA’s 12 players can step up and grab that World Cup spotlight, Aliyah Boston is the one who could be particularly important to just absolutely dismantle Hungary’s main strength.
Look, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Boston needs to be in the starting lineup. She gives the first five that true big balance they need, but she’s so much more than just a big body. Her skillset? It’s as wide as anyone’s on Team USA, and it’s tailor-made to neutralize, no, *pulverize* Hungary’s only real threat. Do you think Juhász or Takacs-Kiss, or even *both* of them combined, can handle Boston on both ends of the floor? No way! She’s the best rim protector Team USA has got, with the size and length to shut down any effective finishing from those two. And offensively? She’s pounding the paint, driving from the elbows, acting as a passing hub, even stretching out behind the arc. That’s a package of versatility that most opposing bigs simply cannot defend. Team USA can even lean into that size advantage even more by pairing Boston with Angel Reese, or having Reese and Kiki Iriafen come in as a physical one-two punch to back her up. It’s going to be a show.
Leïla Lacan Is France’s Defensive Demon Against China
Over in the France vs. China game at 8:30 a.m. ET on HBO Max, keep your eyes glued to Leïla Lacan. China often just fails to maximize their size, and you know why? Bad guard play. They finished group play with the second-highest turnovers, coughing up the ball more than 19 times per game. That’s rough. So, imagine an unleashed Lacan just hounding China’s inadequate ball handlers from the moment they cross half-court. She’s going to ensure they can’t make a clean pass to Han Xu or any of their other bigs.
France has been playing some electric offense, cruising into the quarter-finals by shooting nearly 67 percent on 2-pointers and almost 49 percent on 3-pointers as a team. Those numbers are absolutely unsustainable, let’s be real. When their percentages eventually come back to earth, France is going to need a way to gut out those wins. And that’s where a defensive demon like Lacan steps in. She’s the one who will make sure France can still lock it down and win when their shots aren’t falling, combined with another… Well, we’ll just have to wait and see who steps up alongside her!
These quarter-finals are going to be wild. Get ready for Aliyah Boston to absolutely dominate for Team USA, and watch Lacan turn into a defensive nightmare for China. Don’t forget about Belgium’s Julie Allemand and Spain’s Iyana Martín either, because they’re also set to make some serious noise. By Thursday’s end, only the best four will remain, and you know these players are going to leave it all on the court for those semi-final spots.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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