The 2026 FIBA World Cup gold medal is on the line, and it’s Team USA battling for an unprecedented fifth-straight title against a French squad absolutely starving for their first. But if you caught the semi-final, you know our Americans, led by our very own Breanna Stewart, navigated some seriously shaky waters against Spain, and it was far from convincing.
France’s Dominant Ride to the Final
France has been on an absolute tear, making an impressive run through Berlin, culminating in them knocking out the host country, Germany, in the semi-finals. After a tight first half, France pulled away in the second before unleashing a definitive closing kick to seal an 86-64 victory. Gabby Williams, who has been the best performer in the tournament, was a force yet again for the French. She dropped 22 points, dished out five assists, grabbed five rebounds, and snatched four steals. Janelle Salaün put up a monster 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Marine Johannès added 13 points, including three big 3-pointers. This team is playing with confidence, and they’re looking like a well-oiled machine.
Team USA’s Rocky Road, Stewie to the Rescue
Contrast that with Team USA’s struggle against Spain. The focused energy they showed in the quarter-finals against Hungary seemed to vanish. The Americans let Spain jump out to an early lead and hang around way too long. It took our vets, including our Storm superstar Stewie, to finally elevate their game midway through the fourth quarter to secure a 76-66 win. Breanna Stewart, the most-experienced American, was the steady hand through those tense moments, stepping up big as both a defender and a scorer late in the game, finishing with a team-best 16 points. Jackie Young and Kahleah Copper also hit crucial baskets in the final frame, with 12 and 13 points respectively.
But let’s be real, the stats don’t lie: 15 turnovers to only 13 assists is a huge red flag for stagnancy and indecision. Their lack of activity on defense showed in just six steals and two blocks, numbers that should be way higher with their athleticism. Even their usual strength, 35 trips to the foul line, was diminished by eight misses. And the three-point shooting? Ice cold, going just 3-for-18. Coach Kara Lawson had to give a “signature speech” after that one, and it feels like another one is needed. As legend Tina Charles said on TNT, it’s not about the words, it’s about the actions on the court.
So, here’s the big question staring Team USA down in Berlin: will the 3s finally fall for France or for Team USA? The gold medal hangs in the balance, and our very own Breanna Stewart and Team USA need to bring their absolute A-game. Let’s get that fifth-straight gold, Emerald City!
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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