After their tune-up game loss to the United States, Germany has seen much improvement. The USA team, though, is still trying to find an early-game offensive flow to complement their defensive excellence. Germany came out swinging in the first quarter, and although the US was only down by three at the end of the first quarter, there was a sense that Germany would be a lot more difficult than perhaps anticipated.
Things picked up for the U.S. when Coach Cheryl Reeve started subbing out. The starters were struggling, but the bench came in and added some much-needed juice. Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum were particularly effective, with Young eventually leading the US scoring with 19 points. Satou Sabally and Alexis Peterson were the foundation for Germany, with Sabally scoring 15 and Peterson 14.
The U.S. defense was really the eventual star of the contest. The US forced an embarrassing 23 turnovers, although the Germans also had some success in causing 16 US turnovers. The U.S. has been struggling from three but excelled with 46 paint points to Germany’s 24.
Team USA Controlled the Game Versus Germany in the Second Half
The second half of the game showed the U.S. to be the powerhouse that they are and doubled their opening lead of ten points to twenty-three by the end of the quarter. In the fourth, the only starter on the floor for the US was Napheesa Collier, with Sabrina Ionescu, Young, Brittney Griner, and Alyssa Thomas all taking care of business. This simply shows the depth of the US team, which, if they are going to take the gold, is going to have to improve, particularly in the opening minutes, where they have continued to struggle.
A Lille Group C Sweep 🧹🇺🇸 #USABWNT pic.twitter.com/9xmKfkO9Dc
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 4, 2024
Germany has more than Sabally to rely on. Peterson, Luisa Geiselsoder, and Leonie Fiebich have proven to be reliable and effective players, but the bench is rather thin. But their two wins in Group play have been decisive, and to move forward, they are going to have to improve their ability to work around whatever defense is thrown at them. For a first-time Olympic team, they have made an impressive showing, and regardless of what happens, they look to be a team that has a strong Olympic future.
The United States, with its depth of talent to draw upon, looks to have continued success in years to come. Although the quality of international play has grown enormously, and the parity among teams is becoming more evident, the U.S. will likely remain the standard bearer for some time.
What is Next for Team USA?
In the quarterfinals, the U.S. will face a very tough Nigeria team, and Germany will take on France. The U.S. leads all teams in scoring and the important point differential category and only the U.S. and Spain are undefeated. Quarterfinal play is on August 7, with the semifinals on August 9 and the finals on August 11. Much like the mercurial WNBA season, there is no game here that is a gimme.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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