The United States once again showed why they are the most formidable team at the Olympics. Despite some slow starts, scoring inconsistencies, and occasional lapses in the defense, Coach Cheryl Reeve has taken this group and molded them into a well-oiled machine, with interchangeable parts that do not skip a beat.
Nigeria entered this contest determined to upset the proverbial apple cart. With only nine players used, they made a good showing of themselves, and although they chipped away at the substantial lead the US had in the fourth quarter, they were simply unable to match the size and strength of the Americans. Nigeria came within four points midway through the second quarter, but that was as close as they could get to this dominating American team.
With as much focus as there has been on A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, it was Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum who grabbed the spotlight. What was most impressive was that even without substantial minutes, both Young and Plum made significant impacts when on the court. They each provided a boost of energy which drove the team and helped create a much stronger attack.
United States Team and an Aces Duo in the Backcourt
Despite all the accolades that Wilson receives, and deservedly so, it is Young who has always been my favorite player with the Las Vegas Aces, followed closely by Plum. They both bring an intensity but from different perspectives. Young seems to never get rattled and maintains an even demeanor, while Plum provides a more outwardly passionate game. This pairing works so well that it will be interesting to see how Coach Reeves uses them against Australia.
DUB! 🔜 #Paris2024 Semifinals
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 7, 2024
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Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu is very much Plum’s counterpart. There is a ferocity in Kalu’s game, an approach that says get out of my way, which I think helps drive the Nigerian team. This is a team that has a bright international future, and I expect we will see their growth in very short order. As the first African team to advance to the quarterfinals, they can help set the standard for other teams from Africa to become a more visible contributor to international women’s basketball.
Even as the lead expanded in the third quarter, Nigeria never backed down. Whether or not Kalu should have taken the final shot of the game when a team might ordinarily have let the clock run out, is a matter of etiquette, and Kahleah Copper‘s technical foul didn’t have to happen. And even though Nigeria won the fourth quarter handily, the chance of their taking the game was never a question.
What’s Next for the United States Women’s Team?
The U.S. is coming together at exactly the right time. Facing Australia in the semifinals will be no easy task, as they have also found their rhythm since their opening-round loss to Nigeria. With opponents such as Alanna Smith, Sami Whitcomb, Ezi Magbegor, and Jade Melbourne, with whom the U.S. is very familiar, this contest should be a fast-paced, highly competitive matchup.
Both Coach Reeve and Australian coach Sandy Brondello know each other well, so this could either be a chess match or a street fight. Maybe a combination of the two. This is a do n’t-miss game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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