Damiris Dantas delivered a standout performance in Brazil’s second game of #AmeriCupW, leading all scorers in a 74-65 victory over Canada.
Damiris Dantas took center stage in Brazil’s second outing at the #AmeriCupW, delivering a performance that showcased her leadership, composure, and undeniable talent. In a matchup that was tightly contested from the opening tip to the final buzzer, it was Dantas who rose to the occasion, scoring more points than anyone else on the court and helping Brazil secure a crucial 74-65 victory over Canada. Her efforts not only elevated her team’s performance but also served as a clear reminder of her value to Brazil’s national program in a tournament that continues to grow in intensity.
From the start of the game, Brazil demonstrated a renewed sense of urgency, spurred on by the lessons learned in their tournament opener. Canada, known for its disciplined defense and physicality, came out with energy and a desire to control the tempo early. They moved the ball effectively and tried to push Brazil out of their comfort zone. However, Dantas was not to be denied. She quickly made her presence felt, knocking down mid-range jumpers, attacking the paint, and securing rebounds on both ends. Her ability to read the defense and adjust on the fly gave Brazil a steadying force, especially when Canada threatened to shift momentum with back-to-back runs.
Throughout the game, Dantas showcased the versatility that has defined her career. She was able to score in a variety of ways, whether it was driving to the basket with authority, stepping out for a jump shot, or converting tough finishes through contact. Her footwork in the post was crisp, and her timing was impeccable. But her impact went beyond scoring. She contributed significantly on the glass, boxing out Canada’s taller forwards and limiting second-chance opportunities. Defensively, she held her ground against some of Canada’s most aggressive offensive players, using her strength and basketball IQ to keep them in check.
Brazil’s offense often flowed through Dantas, who was able to either initiate plays from the high post or work effectively in the pick-and-roll. Her chemistry with the team’s guards was evident, and her ability to make the right pass at the right time kept Canada’s defense guessing. Even when double-teamed, she remained calm and made sound decisions, either kicking the ball out to the perimeter or finding cutters slashing through the lane. Her unselfishness and poise under pressure were a testament to her experience on the international stage.
Canada, to their credit, did not make it easy. They countered with strong interior defense and tried to speed up the pace to throw Brazil off balance. There were stretches in the game where Canada seemed poised to take control, especially late in the second quarter when they went on a brief scoring run. But each time, Dantas responded—either by making a key basket, drawing a foul, or getting a stop on defense. Her presence served as an anchor for Brazil, and the confidence she exuded appeared to lift her teammates as well.
One of the defining sequences of the game came in the third quarter. With Canada narrowing the lead to just two points, Dantas took over. She scored on three consecutive possessions—once on a powerful drive, once on a smooth baseline jumper, and once off an offensive rebound and putback. That stretch pushed Brazil’s lead back to a comfortable margin and forced Canada to call a timeout. Coming out of that timeout, Brazil never relinquished control again, and much of that was due to Dantas’s dominance.
The final quarter saw Brazil maintaining their composure and making timely plays. While other players stepped up to hit clutch shots or make key defensive stops, it was clear that Dantas remained the foundation upon which their success was built. Every time Brazil needed a basket to halt Canada’s momentum, they went to her. And each time, she delivered. By the end of the game, Dantas had not only led all scorers but had also made a case for being one of the tournament’s most impactful players so far.
Off the court, Dantas has long been a role model for younger players and a respected veteran presence in the locker room. Her leadership was just as evident during timeouts and huddles as it was during live play. Teammates looked to her for guidance, and she responded with encouragement, focus, and determination. In tournaments like the AmeriCup, where the stakes are high and every game carries weight, having a player like Dantas can make all the difference. She brings experience, skill, and a competitive fire that ignites those around her.
The victory over Canada not only improved Brazil’s position in the standings but also sent a message to the rest of the field. With Dantas in form and leading the way, Brazil looks like a team that can make a serious run at the title. Her individual brilliance is part of a larger collective effort, but it’s hard to ignore just how central she was to this particular win. Her combination of scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership made her the standout performer of the game.
As the tournament progresses, the challenges will only intensify. Teams will begin to adjust and key in on Brazil’s strengths, and Dantas will likely face even more defensive attention. But based on this performance, there’s every reason to believe she’s ready for it. Her play against Canada was not just a statistical success—it was a statement. It was a reminder of what she’s capable of when the lights are brightest and her team needs her most.
This win will be remembered as one of the defining moments of Brazil’s AmeriCupW campaign, not just for the importance of the result but for the way it was achieved. Damiris Dantas didn’t just lead Brazil to victory—she commanded the game, dominated both ends of the floor, and embodied the spirit of a true leader. For fans, teammates, and opponents alike, this performance will resonate far beyond the final score. And for Brazil, it could be the spark that propels them toward greater success as the tournament continues.
