Speed Over Size: Japan’s Run-and-Gun Tactics Eliminate China in FIBA Asia Cup Semifinal

The roar of the home crowd fell silent in Shenzhen as Japan’s relentless three-point assault dismantled China’s towering defense, delivering a seismic 90-81 upset in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup semifinals. This early exit for the defending champions signals a pivotal shift in Asian basketball—where speed and precision now dominate traditional size advantages.

Japan’s Three-Point Barrage Ignites Early Dominance

Japan’s strategy was clear from tip-off: neutralize China’s 6’10” Han Xu and 7’5″ Zhang Ziyu with rapid ball movement and perimeter shooting. Teen sensation Kokoro Tanaka electrified the Shenzhen Sports Center Gymnasium, sinking five consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter alone. Her 21-point opening salvo left China scrambling, exposing critical gaps in their defensive rotations.

Coach Corey Gaines praised his team’s execution: “The players followed the game plan perfectly. When China countered, we adapted immediately.” Japan’s backcourt trio—Yuki Miyazawa, Norika Konno, and Stephanie Mawuli—combined for 11 three-pointers, exploiting China’s slow close-outs. Their 45% accuracy from beyond the arc (versus China’s 28%) proved decisive, per FIBA’s post-game analytics.

China’s Height Advantage Falters Against Pace

China briefly rallied in the second quarter. Han Xu (18 points, 7 rebounds) and teenage phenom Zhang Ziyu (17 points, 9 rebounds) leveraged their reach to secure a 51-49 halftime lead. Yet Japan’s transition game overwhelmed them after the break. Fast breaks generated 22 points, while China managed just 6.

“We failed to contain their perimeter shooting,” admitted head coach Gong Luming. “Modern basketball demands adaptability to speed and spacing—we must evolve.” The loss marks China’s first missed FIBA Asia Cup final in eight years, following their 2023 title victory over Japan.

A Wake-Up Call for Chinese Basketball

The defeat amplifies concerns about China’s developmental approach. Han Xu, a WNBA veteran, stressed the urgency of overseas exposure: “The world has moved ahead. I’ll return to international leagues next season—others must follow to learn this pace.” Gong Luming acknowledged the long road to the 2028 Olympics but ruled out abandoning size entirely: “We’ll integrate lessons without discarding our strengths.”

Japan advances to face Australia in Sunday’s final, seeking their sixth FIBA Asia Cup title since 2013. For China, third-place playoffs against New Zealand offer scant consolation after a tournament that redefined regional hierarchies.

China’s basketball identity faces reinvention after Japan’s strategic masterclass. As the FIBA Asia Cup crowns a new champion, the call echoes: adapt to the speed revolution or risk obsolescence.

Must Know

Q: Why did China lose despite having taller players?
A: Japan’s three-point shooting (45% accuracy) and fast-break offense neutralized China’s height. Slow defensive rotations left perimeter shooters open, allowing Japan to build an insurmountable lead.

Q: Who were the standout performers?
A: Japan’s Kokoro Tanaka scored 27 points (21 in Q1), while China’s Zhang Ziyu impressed with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Han Xu added 18 points and 7 assists.

Q: What does this mean for China’s Olympic hopes?
A: Coach Gong Luming called this a “building process” toward the 2028 Games. Expect emphasis on developing perimeter defense and faster offensive sets alongside existing post play.

Q: How significant is Japan’s win for Asian basketball?
A: This victory signals a tactical shift. Japan’s fifth FIBA Asia Cup final in six years validates speed-and-shooting models over traditional size-centric approaches.

Q: Will China change its player development strategy?
A: Han Xu urged more players to seek overseas competition. Expect increased WNBA/European scouting to bridge the tactical gap exposed in this FIBA Asia Cup.