Angel Reese had some words of encouragement for Aliyah Boston as the Indiana Fever star matched up against China’s 7-foot-3 center.
Team USA kicked off their gold medal defense at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup against China on Friday. They convincingly won their game, 94-61, in front of the packed Max-Schmeling-Halle.
However, one of the most challenging aspects of the game was guarding China’s 7-foot-3 center, Zhang Ziyu. Atlanta Dream star Reese had the opportunity to match up against Zhang during the game, as did Boston.
Boston was the primary defender of the 19-year-old Chinese phenom at one point in the second quarter. In one play, Zhang scored over Boston to cut Team USA’s lead to eight.
But Reese encouraged Boston to keep going after the play. The mics caught what she said to her fellow WNBA All-Star.
“Keep working AB, keep working,” Reese said.
Zhang finished the game with 13 points with only two field goals in 18 minutes, as most of her points were from the free-throw line.
Meanwhile, Reese had five points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes, while Boston produced seven points and two boards in 14 minutes.
Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard spearheaded the national team’s offense with 14 points apiece, but Clark was the only one who racked up a double-double with her 11 assists.
Next up for Team USA is a matchup against Italy on Sunday before wrapping up the group stage against the Czech Republic on Monday.
They are aiming to sweep their last two assignments to secure an outright spot in the quarterfinals and a more favorable path toward the gold medal game.
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