“You just want to go out there and play your best game. And I think we did that.” – A’ja Wilson. I wouldn’t say that the United States played their best game, certainly not in the first quarter. Belgium was looking for redemption after their shocker of a loss to Germany, and Emma Meesseman and company came out of the gate ready to take down the Americans.
The USA committed five turnovers in what was a shaky first quarter, including three by Wilson. There was not a lot of rhythm of play for the US, who at times looked quite vulnerable. Of course, the heavy pro-Belgium crowd added a big boost of energy for the Cats, and it showed.
However, the USA seemed to settle into their game more in the second quarter and started playing with more urgency and focus. Even with adding another five turnovers (two more for Wilson), the United States outscored Belgium 23-15 and led 46-38 at the half.
Belgium Held Its Own Versus the United States
Belgium came out in the third looking as though they had found some extra juice, outscoring the U.S. 11-7 and getting as close as four points when Napheesa Collier hit two consecutive shots, a two and a three, which seemed to re-ignite the fire for the Americans. Belgium took the third only by one, 15-14. Then in the fourth, Belgium looked gassed, and the US played their best quarter of the game, eventually winning 87-74.
“They’re just a really good team…they probably are one of the best teams in the world.”
– Diana Taurasi on Belgium
They [Belguim] are. They’ve been in the upper echelon of European basketball for some time. Of course, missing Julie Allemand is a blow, and if Belgium seems to have a weakness, it is that their bench is just not strong enough.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT secures the dub! 🤫#Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/cdqJimsIlK
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 1, 2024
The starters carried heavy minutes, with Meesseman, Antonia Delaere, and Julie Vanloo doing the bulk of the scoring. Meesseman of course is an international powerhouse, not only with the national team but with Fenerbaçhe in Turkey as well. Vanloo has made a significant impact in the WNBA with the Mystics.
Issues with Team USA and What’s Next for Both Nations
Here’s the problem for the U.S.; they have a roster loaded with heavy hitters who are just not connecting. While Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are the obvious leaders, players like Chelsea Gray, Diana Taurasi, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu need to find a way to score. Kahleah Copper did not play in this game and has not been effective. Collier has had minor success, as have Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Griner, and Jewel Loyd, but just not enough.
That has to change because every other team is gunning for them, and as we’ve seen, this Olympic journey has not exactly been a cakewalk.
Belgium, who will face Japan on Saturday, will look to finally get in the win column, but as we’ve seen, Japan is a talented, three-point shooting, and fast-paced team, who will also be looking for their first win. Later that day, the US will face a more formidable German team than the one they faced in London just prior to the Olympics.
There will be a very thin margin for error, and every piston of the US team will need to be firing in top form. If the U.S. wants the gold, they’re going to have to dig deep and get out of their players what we’ve seen during the WNBA season. The time is definitely now.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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