Team USA, featuring stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, is set to compete for the FIBA Women's World Cup championship against France on Sunday in Berlin. The game arrives on the 25th anniversary weekend of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a timing that head coach Kara Lawson highlighted as significant for national unity.
"I think unity is not just exclusive to the women’s basketball community," Lawson stated. "I think it’s unity for our country as well. I think our team hopefully is creating unity across our country. People being proud about how we play and how we represent the red, white and blue."
The American team aims to extend its historic 35-game winning streak in the World Cup against an undefeated French squad that recently defeated host-nation Germany. France is also seeking revenge for a narrow loss to the U.S. in the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game.
Rising Stars Unite
The presence of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the same roster has captivated American fans. The duo, once prominent rivals with fervent fan bases often in opposition on social media, now play together for Team USA. Their on-court chemistry was evident in a dominant quarterfinal victory over Hungary, where they combined for 19 points.
"We’ve played against each other so many times, so I’m sure we know each other’s game like the back of each other’s hand," Reese said. "She dishes it off to me, I got one to her today, so, it’s fun. We just continue to build chemistry because we know we’re going to be USA teammates for a while."
Clark expressed admiration for Reese's competitiveness, noting her "tremendous motor" and work ethic. The pair, along with teammate Paige Bueckers, are part of a group nicknamed the "young and turnt" crew. Despite their impact, coach Lawson has often opted to start veteran players, a decision that has generated debate among fans, though Lawson has indicated openness to lineup adjustments.
French Challenge
France's roster includes players familiar with their American counterparts, many of whom are WNBA teammates. Marine Johannès, a player for the New York Liberty, shared locker room space with U.S. veteran Breanna Stewart.
"If I'm honest, we have nothing to lose. We actually know they're a great team. They won every World Cup for years and years," Johannès commented after France's semifinal win. "We are playing with these players all season in the W, we know how good they are."
France's star player, Gabby Williams, who played collegiately at UConn and has extensive WNBA experience, is performing at a high level. Her familiarity with the U.S. players adds a personal dimension to the championship game, especially after the close Olympic final.
Cultural Significance
This championship game occurs amidst a polarized year for women's basketball and a heated midterm election cycle in the United States. The preceding WNBA season was marked by significant player rivalries and controversies that spilled into public discourse and social media.
However, the World Cup has seen a unifying effect, with fan engagement leading to record-breaking television ratings for games involving Team USA. The notion of players setting aside individual rivalries to represent the country has been emphasized by veteran players like Breanna Stewart.
"It feels great. I think that any time I can represent Team USA I want to," Stewart said. "I've had the incredible opportunity of being able to do it for a long time and since I was really young, and every time I get the call I want to show up."
The team has shown its patriotism, standing for the national anthem before recent games. Coach Lawson acknowledged the profound impact of the 9/11 anniversary, hoping a championship victory could provide a moment of solace for the nation.
"I think, you know, being a part of USA Basketball for so long, there’s a great pride in it," Lawson reflected. "I felt the presence of the U.S. here, even though we are in Europe. I felt it, and certainly felt it yesterday in 9/11 and, you know, a somber anniversary."
As Team USA prepares for the final, they are not only defending a 35-game World Cup winning streak but also playing for a nation seeking a unifying moment of athletic triumph.