China did not enjoy the best start to the ongoing FIBA Women’s World Cup as they suffered a lopsided 94-61 loss against Team USA in their opener. However, things changed very quickly as they responded to the loss with a 74-70 victory over the Czech Republic in their second game of the tournament.
And well, the WNBA community was quick to react.
WNBA Fans React to China’s Win Over Czech Republic
Han Xu was the star of the show for Team China, returning with 22 points and 14 rebounds. The Liberty center was at her dominant best in the paint and helped her team take over OT after the game ended 64-64 in regulation.
And well, fans have been quick to respond to the game. The New York Liberty, who are well aware of Xu’s talents, posted the following congratulatory message:
“DOUBLE UP FOR HANNY. Han Xu was COOKING 🔥 22 PTS, 14 REB & China’s Player of the Game!”
DOUBLE UP FOR HANNY 🇨🇳💪@hanxu_521 was COOKING 🔥 22 PTS, 14 REB & China’s Player of the Game! pic.twitter.com/o8G1F9s1Hw
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) September 6, 2026
Meanwhile, this fan gave a quick rundown of the game before praising Xu’s domination, writing, “WHAT A GAME! China wins 74-70 in OT over Czech Republic! Down 5 late, Yang Shuyu forced OT, then took over. Han Xu dominated: 22 pts & 14 rebs. China crushed the boards 53-27 on rebounds. Pure grit. So proud!”
WHAT A GAME! China wins 74-70 in OT over Czech Republic! 🇨🇳🏀
Down 5 late, Yang Shuyu forced OT, then took over. Han Xu dominated: 22 pts & 14 rebs. China crushed the boards 53-27 on rebounds. Pure grit. So proud! 🙌#ChinaWomensBasketball #CHNvsCZE #OvertimeThriller pic.twitter.com/fdyk3hr6Ka
— BskPulse (@BskPulse) September 6, 2026
Another fan thought that China’s determination deserved praise and wrote the following “What a gutsy OT win for China.”
Meanwhile, this fan had seen enough to write the following message: “WELCOME TO THE HAN DYNASTY.”
WELCOME TO THE HAN DYNASTY https://t.co/1jOOscjwMy
— R. (@seafoamhaze13) September 6, 2026
Finally, another fan had a smart reaction to present after the game, writing, “MY GREAT WALL OF BROOKLYN, RESPECT HER.”
MY GREAT WALL OF BROOKLYN, RESPECT HER https://t.co/hrxOPsRiZg
— iv ☾ (@libsenal) September 6, 2026
The result put China back in the win column early in the tournament and kept its knockout-round hopes alive in a group that also includes Italy. While Team USA undoubtedly remains the favorite and started the tournament in dominant fashion, China does have the talent to get out of the group, and much will depend on how Italy fares.
Italy won its first game of the tournament against the Czech Republic, which effectively puts the latter out of contention. However, with China now winning one, the matchup against the Italians may as well decide which team qualifies for the knockouts in addition to Team USA.
Team USA plays Italy later this afternoon, and few will expect the defending champions, who are looking for their fifth straight gold medal, to return without a win.
