Virat Speech Inspires Team USA Victory in FIBA AmeriCup Semifinal

Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) takes a jump shot as TCU Horned Frogs face off with Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Sweet 16 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025. TCU Horned Frogs defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 71-62 to advance to the Elite 8. July 6, 2025 | 7:23 AM EDT

Team USA faced a tough challenge from Canada in the FIBA AmeriCup semifinal on Saturday. Canadian head coach Nell Fortner delivered a passionate courtside message, urging her players not to be intimidated by Hannah Hidalgo.

The Notre Dame guard didn’t let that happen, and Team USA survived a physical semifinal battle with a 65-53 victory to advance to the final against Brazil.

Fortner’s Viral Speech Sets the Stage

Fortner’s show-grabbing speech captured on the live broadcast became an instant hit. The moment came with Team USA leading 19-14 and 7:47 left in the first half when the head coach delivered her viral motivational courtside speech. Hidalgo was already making an impact with aggressive drives and strong defense at that point.

Hidalgo led Team USA at halftime with nine points and intensified her defensive efforts in the fourth quarter, helping hold Canada to just three points over the final nine and a half minutes. She finished with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals, showcasing her all-around contribution in the must-win game.

While Hidalgo dominated the game and Fortner’s speech went viral, many fans found something else more interesting. Christie Sides appeared on Canada’s bench beside assistant coach Carly Clarke. The former Indiana Fever head coach’s appearance caught the attention of social media users who weren’t expecting to see her there, even though Canada Basketball had announced it on June 25.

One fan wrote, “Is that Christie Sides???” Another joked, “She’s Canadian?!” Others commented with phrases like “Sides 👀” and “I see you, Christie Sides! 😂”

That even led one X user to note, “Off topic, but I love seeing Christie Sides as the coach.” Another added, “Great to see Sides and her twin!”

Alongside Clarke and Muriel Page, Sides is supporting Fortner during her first international event with Team Canada. She brings recent WNBA experience to the group, including guiding the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

The coaching addition makes sense for Canada’s program. Sides spent years developing young talent in the WNBA, and her experience with playoff basketball could prove valuable as Canada builds toward future international competitions. Her presence on the bench surprised fans who missed the earlier announcement about her joining the Canadian staff.

Now, Team USA moves on to face Brazil in the final, with Hidalgo looking to cap off her strong tournament performance. The Notre Dame star has been the team’s most consistent player throughout the competition, and her defensive intensity against Canada showed why she’s become such a key piece for the national team program.