Team USA defeated reigning champion France 16-12 to take home gold in the women’s FIBA 3×3 at the 2023 World Cup on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The win marks the American women’s first 3×3 gold medal since 2014 and the U.S.’s third World Cup 3×3 gold overall.
- Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick led the way with seven points and six rebounds each in the gold medal game. Cameron Brink was named MVP.
- The American men’s 3×3 trio took silver with a 21-19 loss to Serbia in Sunday’s final.
🇺🇸 USA ARE YOUR FIBA 3×3 WORLD CUP 2023 WINNERS 🎊🥇#3x3WC | @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/mznRkQOMem
— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) June 4, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Cameron Brink delivers MVP performance
Brink is no stranger to USA Basketball, having captured the gold at the U-17 and U-19 World Cups in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This was her first foray into 3×3, but she quickly found her rhythm alongside three veterans of the sport. Brink has always been a dominant defensive presence in the half-court in 5×5, and that translated into her MVP performance in the World Cup.
The USA finished third in points allowed per game during the tournament at 13.3, but limited China and France to 12 apiece in the semifinals and finals. Brink was at the center of that…
