The Australian Opals have a long and proud history of success, built upon tireless teamwork and an unconditional desire to win games of basketball.
At the Tokyo Olympics last year, those standards weren't upheld – for many reasons – as the Opals finished eighth and mustered just one win for the tournament.
Ever since, every Opal player has spoken about the yearning they have to bounce back and continue on with the storied tradition of the Opals program.
That yearning came to fruition last night when the Opals overcame Japan – an opponent they've struggled with mightily in recent times – to lock in top spot of Group B at the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup.
Finishing on top of their group sets up a quarter-final clash against Belgium – who will be without their superstar power forward Emma Meesseman, ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to injury – and also means the Opals are on the opposite side of the bracket to the ultimate powerhouse, USA.
The transformation this Opals group has undergone in just five games since the tournament began is remarkable, to say the least.
After dropping their opening game against France, the Opals reeled off four wins in a row, winning in different ways and overcoming obstacles in each game.
Against Mali, Australia found themselves down 10-2 to but then claimed a massive 60-point win as their offence caught fire.
Taking care of business against old foe Serbia was a defensive masterclass.
Overcoming Canada without injured superstar Bec Allen showcased the true character of the group.
Handling a Japanese team that attacks Australia's biggest weakness – ball-handling – by applying full-court defensive pressure was more proof that this squad is finding ways to win, no matter the situation.
The crucial win over Japan was a team effort, with Australia dominating the third quarter after a back-and-forth first half that saw 13 lead changes.
Japan has been a problem match-up for Australia in recent times because of their elite speed, which the Opals tried to combat with big line-ups and taking advantage of their height.
Marianna Tolo (14 points and 6 rebounds) and Cayla George (9 points and 9 rebounds) featured, the latter responding to being moved to the bench in the best way possible.
Those two bigs powered Australia's inside presence, while the guard play of Sami Whitcomb and Steph Talbot – absolute warriors for the Opals all tournament long – was simply sublime.
After Japan got the early lead in the first quarter, it was Lauren Jackson who responded with a triple.
Jackson's impact in limited minutes has been game-changing across the tournament; it's the dream role coach Sandy Brondello would have imagined.
The second quarter was a grind as Kristy Wallace came in and gave her customary defensive effort, handling the pressure Japan was forcing upon her.
Wallace and Whitcomb combined well in the second quarter; Wallace's presence opened up shooting opportunities for Whitcomb, who sank key buckets.
Despite Australia's hard work, Japan stayed within striking distance, thanks largely to three Japanese shooters fouled while shooting triples.
But Australia remained composed, and Darcee Garbin gave a huge lift in the final minutes of the first half with great defensive energy and shot-making.
Her versatility has been a real weapon and she's proven to Brondello she can be trusted to perform in pressure moments.
Australia opened the third quarter with a picture-perfect play that saw Whitcomb dish to Ezi Magbegor, who then found a cutting Tolo, who finished at the basket. This was the type of offence that eventually wore Japan down.
The second half of the third quarter became the Cayla George show — the last remaining star of the Opals to have her moment this tournament.
Whitcomb, Talbot, Allen, Magbegor and Tolo have all had at least one signature game; on the eve of the knockout stage, George came to life and scored the final seven points of the third term, pushing Australia's lead out to 13 points at the break.
Much like Magbegor in the game prior, George responded to being taken out of the starting line-up. Both showed how focused players are on achieving goals together and playing whatever role is asked of them.
George's seven points in the final 72 seconds of the third quarter were just two points less than Japan scored for the entire term.
Holding Japan to single digits for 10 minutes came from unrelenting defensive principles; Talbot could be seen launching herself at every rebounding opportunity and being a general pest on the perimeter.
Australia kept a desperate Japan at bay down the stretch, a winning result that means the Opals are now chances of medalling at a home World Cup.
Whitcomb broke free in the closing minutes and delivered not one, but two dagger triples to send Australia to the top of Group B with a comprehensive 71-54 win.
Limited to just 20 points in the second half, Japan was forced into tough shots and never allowed to feel comfortable beyond the three-point line.
This 2022 Opals train is gathering speed and picking up fans across the country, reminding them of past Australian teams that played with similar passion, pride and purpose.
