The Team USA Women’s Basketball Team kicked off the Olympic games on Monday afternoon when they faced Japan in their opening round of group play where they advanced with ease by way of a 102-76 final.
Their matchup found them in a battle of differing offensive focuses as they utilized their size to the tune of 64 points in the paint while Japan shot 15 for 39 from three-point range as their defensive pressure kept them within reach throughout the first half.
But much like it has played out through the WNBA regular season so far, it was your usual suspects on Team USA that led the way as A’ja Wilson (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Breanna Stewart (22 points, 8 rebounds) provided the perfect one-two punch on offense while Chelsea Gray dolled out 13 assists in 20 minutes played.
And while they shot just 4 for 20 from the three-point line, their jumper wasn’t what was needed in a game where their size greatly outmatched the opposition’s throughout.
Point GAWD
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 29, 2024
13 assists in only 20 minutes for Chelsea in the win over Japan.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/LPlpbgqDkw
The US finished the game outrebounding Japan, 56-27, including 19 offensive rebounds and tallying 11 blocks as well while scoring 22 second chance points.
Their length and size came in waves as well when they began the game by starting Wilson and Stewart before bringing Brittney Griner off of the bench as the first reserve of the game.
Griner finished the contest with 11 points and 9 rebounds in their 56th consecutive victory in Olympic play.
What Is Next for The USA Women’s National Team?
Looking ahead, they will shift focus to Belgium, a team that they recently squeaked by in February with an 81-79 victory that needed late-game theatrics by Stewart who tipped in her miss with less than five seconds remaining on the clock to give them their first win of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Overall, Team USA holds a 4-0 record against Belgium.
Belgium is coming off of an 83-69 loss over Germany on Monday where Emma Meesseman led with 26 points and Julie Vanloo chipped in with 15.
The US will yet again go into a contest with a size advantage as Belgium touts just one player taller than 6’1” in Kyara Linskens, 6’4”, while the trio of Wilson, Stewart, and Griner is sure to continue to be a headache in the paint and on the glass.
The second game of group play will tip off at 3 p.m. EST on August 1.
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