Chinese Women's Basketball Team: Internal Strife? Li Yueru Takes Only 3 Shots in 25 Minutes! This Is the Top Core Center...

In their second group match at the Paris Olympics, the Chinese women's basketball team faced off against Serbia. The starting lineup featured Wang Siyu, Yang Liwei, Li Meng, Zhang Ru, and Li Yueru. This game was a critical match for China, a battle not just for advancement but also for revenge. Back in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, China was knocked out by Serbia in the quarterfinals, missing the chance to advance to the semifinals.

The Match Breakdown

The first quarter saw China trailing Serbia 17-23, and the second quarter ended in a 22-22 tie, leaving China five points behind at halftime. The twin towers of the Chinese team, Li Yueru and Han Xu, had standout performances in the first half, with Li Yueru scoring 8 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, and Han Xu contributing 9 points.

As the second half began, there was hope that the Chinese team could maintain a close contest with Serbia, possibly even catching up or taking the lead. However, the third quarter saw China's offense come to a grinding halt, managing only 11 points while holding Serbia to 17. Entering the fourth quarter with a double-digit deficit, the Chinese team couldn't mount a comeback and continued to be overpowered on both ends of the court, eventually losing 59-81. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss in the group stage, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with a net negative score of 23 points.

Statistical Domination

Throughout the game, Serbia outperformed China in almost every aspect. Serbia dominated the boards with a 40-32 rebound advantage, had more assists (20 to 16), and more steals (8 to 3). Particularly glaring was the three-point shooting disparity. China made only 8 of 34 attempts, a paltry 24% success rate, while Serbia hit 7 of 11, a scorching 64%. The Chinese team lacked a consistent scoring threat, with all key players failing to make a significant impact.

Li Yueru, who had a stellar performance in the first game with 31 points and 15 rebounds, struggled with limited touches in this match. She managed just 3 shot attempts in 25 minutes, scoring 8 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Speculation arose about internal conflicts, with some suggesting that Li Yueru was being deliberately marginalized within the team. Li Meng scored 10 points, and Han Xu added 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Wang Siyu emerged as the most balanced contributor with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Looking Ahead

The final group match will see China facing Puerto Rico, a team that narrowly lost to Spain 62-63 and to Serbia by just 3 points. This matchup will determine the third-place finisher in the group, with the potential for China to advance as one of the top third-place teams. Meanwhile, Serbia and Spain, both undefeated, will compete for the top spot in the group.

The heavy defeat to Serbia was anticipated by many, and while it is not the end of the world, it raises significant concerns. The continuous losses highlight the growing gap between Chinese basketball and the world's elite levels. From last year's World Cup runner-up finish to struggling to advance in the Olympic group stage, the decline of the Chinese women's basketball team has been alarming.

Individual Performances and Struggles

Li Meng, once the undisputed star of the team, seemed off her game. Earlier this year, she was named to the Best Five of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in China. Now, she appears to be struggling, possibly due to past controversies and injuries. The player once dubbed "LeBron Meng" has not been able to replicate her previous form. Similarly, Han Xu, who has been shuttling between major competitions and the United States, appears physically exhausted. Her performances have not matched the dominant displays of the past, evident from her 2-for-10 shooting and 1-for-5 three-point shooting against Serbia.

The decision by Li Meng and Han Xu to focus on long-term training with the national team instead of playing in the WNBA this year might have affected their form and tactical skills. Had they chosen to play in the WNBA like Li Yueru, their current physical and technical conditions might have been better.

The Need for Introspection

The Chinese women's basketball team's struggles in the Olympics necessitate a period of introspection. The defeats underscore the need to bridge the widening gap between Chinese basketball and the top-tier global standards. As both the men's and women's teams face tough challenges, it's crucial to strategize on how to catch up with the world's best.

The decline of the Chinese women's basketball team is particularly concerning given their recent history of strong performances. The team needs to reassess their strategies, training regimes, and perhaps even internal dynamics to regain their former glory. The potential internal strife and speculation of cliques within the team must be addressed to ensure a cohesive and focused unit.

The Path Forward

As the Chinese women's basketball team prepares for their final group match, there is still hope for advancement. A victory against Puerto Rico could secure a spot in the knockout stages, giving the team another chance to prove their capabilities on the global stage. However, beyond this tournament, the team must focus on long-term development and addressing the issues that have surfaced during these Olympic Games.

The performances of key players like Li Yueru, Li Meng, and Han Xu will be crucial. Ensuring they receive adequate support and opportunities to shine is vital for the team's success. Additionally, fostering a positive team environment and addressing any internal conflicts will be essential for building a strong and united squad.

The road ahead for Chinese basketball, both men's and women's, is challenging. However, with the right strategies, training, and focus, the teams can work towards closing the gap with the world's best and regaining their competitive edge on the international stage.