China's Basketball Team Shows Promise Despite FIBA Asia Cup Final Loss

The Chinese national team put forth a strong showing, ultimately falling short to the defending champions, Australia, in a closely contested FIBA Asia Cup 2025 final. The final score was 90-89, a testament to the intensity of the match. Despite the loss, the team's performance throughout the tournament offered a promising outlook for the future of Chinese basketball.

China's journey to the final represented a significant achievement, especially considering the team's recent history. They faced a formidable opponent in Australia, who had maintained an undefeated streak since 2017. The Chinese team had built a 15-point lead early in the game, leading by four points at halftime, giving the Australians a tough challenge.

Pre-tournament expectations for China were modest, particularly given the absence of key players like Zhou Qi and Yang Hansen, as well as the lack of naturalized players. However, under the guidance of head coach Guo Shiqiang, the team exceeded expectations. They dominated Group C, secured victories against South Korea in the quarterfinals, and overcame New Zealand in the semifinals, earning their first final appearance in ten years.

The national team's performance has solidified its position as a leading force in Asian basketball. The experience gained during this tournament, coupled with the development of young players, sets the stage for continued growth and future success.