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Four Minutes of Decisive Battle: Drama in the final moments
On July 1, Beijing time, the final of the 2024 U18 Women's Basketball Asian Cup staged a thrilling matchup. China's U18 women's basketball team lost 79-96 to defending champion Australia. The most striking moment of the game came in the final 4:08, when Chinese coach Wang Guizhi replaced Zhang Ziyu, who had performed well throughout the game, at a crucial moment, a decision that sparked widespread controversy. Zhang Ziyu scored 42 points and 14 rebounds in this game, almost single-handedly supporting the offensive firepower of the Chinese team.
Zhang Ziyu's dominance: The rise of Xiao Yao Ming
This year's China U18 women's basketball team has Zhang Ziyu, who is known as "Little Yao Ming", and the young player has shown amazing dominance. Throughout the game, Zhang Ziyu not only performed well in scoring, but also made great contributions to the team in rebounding and defense. Her presence has given the Chinese team great confidence and hope. At many stages of the game, Zhang Ziyu led the team to overtake the score and won valuable scoring opportunities for the Chinese team.
Substitution Decisions: Conservation or Gambling?
In the last 4 minutes and 08 seconds of the game, Zhang Ziyu was replaced by coach Wang Guizhi for his fourth personal foul. This decision instantly sparked heated discussions. After the game, Wang Guizhi explained that the substitution was to protect Zhang Ziyu, who had already committed four fouls, and prevent her from being sent off at a critical moment. At the same time, she also expressed her hope to speed up the pace and impact the opponent with a five-small lineup. However, this strategy did not gain the approval of public opinion. Many people believe that when the game enters the final decisive moment, what the team needs more is the stability and scoring ability provided by Zhang Ziyu on the field.
Five-small lineup: tactical adjustments that did not meet expectations
Wang Guizhi hopes to speed up the pace of the game with a five-small lineup and disrupt the opponent's defensive rhythm. However, this tactical adjustment proved to be ineffective. After Zhang Ziyu went off the court, the Chinese U18 women's basketball team was in trouble at both ends of the offensive and defensive ends. The five-man lineup failed to effectively limit the opponent, but was instead seized by the Australian team to extend their lead. The game ended 79-96, and the Chinese team unfortunately lost.
Post-match controversy: the voice of public opinion
After the game, Wang Guizhi's substitution decision became the focus of heated discussions among the media and fans. Many believe that at such a critical moment, what the team needs most is Zhang Ziyu's leadership and scoring ability on the field. While it is important to protect against fouls and try new tactics, it is in the final decisive moments that experience and practical results are even more important. Although Wang Guizhi's explanation is reasonable, it has not been widely recognized and supported.
Consecutive Defeats: Hopes and Challenges for the Future
The Chinese U18 women's basketball team has lost in the Asian Cup final for two consecutive years, which is undoubtedly a heavy blow. However, on a positive note, the young squad still shows great potential. Zhang Ziyu's performance was encouraging, and she won the MVP of the tournament for her outstanding performance in the competition. This is not only an affirmation of her personal strength, but also a hope for the future of the Chinese women's basketball team. With the growth and experience of these young players, the future of the Chinese women's basketball team is promising.
Controversy: How to deal with the challenges ahead?
Although the defeat in this game is regrettable, what is more important is how to learn from it. For coach Wang Guizhi, how to make more effective tactical adjustments at critical moments, and how to balance the relationship between protecting players and striving for victory, are all challenges that need to be faced in the future. The team needs to continuously improve its strength and tactical literacy on the basis of summing up experience in order to achieve better results in future competitions. For fans and public opinion, how to give more trust and tolerance to coaches and players while supporting the team is also a question worth considering. The future of China's U18 women's basketball team is both challenging and hopeful.