In Berlin, Team USA edged Italy 55-52 in a World Cup qualifier that turned into a physical slog, barely securing a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.
Veteran analyst Jason Whitlock described the contest as "brutal," pointing to the excessive physicality that defined the game and the absence of star forward A’ja Wilson, who was sidelined by lingering health and back problems.
Wilson’s absence forced the U.S. to rely on depth, with players like Chelsea Gray and Breanna Stewart stepping up in the closing moments, while Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart struggled with shooting under the relentless physical pressure.
Italy responded to the physical tone by switching to a 2-3 zone, which cut the deficit to 30-24 by halftime, showcasing their tactical adaptability and keeping the game within reach.
The momentum shifted in the fourth quarter when the U.S. held a 42-39 lead, only for Italy to surge ahead 50-48 with 4:29 remaining, turning the contest into a nail‑biter that required late defensive heroics.
Gray’s lockdown defense and Stewart’s decisive final bucket proved crucial, allowing the Americans to reclaim the lead and seal the 55-52 victory.
Both Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart endured shooting struggles, their performances hampered by the game’s relentless physicality, yet the collective effort kept the U.S. ahead.
Head coach Kara Lawson noted that the global landscape of women's basketball is evolving rapidly, with teams worldwide improving and narrowing the gap between the United States and its rivals.
Despite the slim margin, Team USA remains the favorite to capture a fifth consecutive World Cup title, though the increasingly competitive field suggests that each subsequent game will be decided by ever smaller margins.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the squad will need a late surge against France to preserve its unbeaten Olympic streak, underscoring the heightened stakes as the competition tightens.