On Monday, Team USA took on Japan in the first round of the Paris Olympics games. Team USA is coming off a win against Germany in their exhibition game last week. This game was a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics gold medal game where the United States women won. The starters were Chelsea Gray, Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
In the first half, Team USA gets things started with going to their bread and butter A’ja Wilson and shortly after Breanna Stewart to get easy points. The great connection between the pair is undoubtedly the best thing for Team USA.
“Two of the best players in the world, the two best,” ESPN, FS1 and FS South sports analyst LaChina Robinson said during the game.
In the first quarter Wilson already had 10 points on 5-9 shooting to lead Team USA with the first quarter 22-15 lead over Japan. A’ja Wilson ended the game with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.
The size difference between Team USA and Japan is noticeably different with Japan’s tallest player being only 6’1, and the USA’s tallest player is 6’9 Brittney Griner. Team USA has controlled the glass with Wilson, Collier, Griner, and Stewart. In the 2nd quarter Griner was unstoppable on the glass causing the USA to go on a 8-0 run.
However, Japan’s shorter players played on a much faster level that allowed them to get open frequently. The defensive intensity put on by Japan led to turnovers for the USA. Team USA’s rhythm was rushed by Japan’s full court defense, and caused forced errors.
Japan shot lights out against this USA team that has been lacking on the defensive end. The post players of Team USA were getting lost or caught behind screens causing Japan to have open shots. Japan has also been flipping up many scoop shots that have gotten through the long lengthy USA defenders. When Britney Griner came into the game, Japan used that as an opportunity to shoot over her.
In the second half Team USA turned up their defensive energy, causing Japan to use more time on the clock instead of their usual fast paced game they play with.
Only one three pointer was made from Team USA in the first half by Kelsey Plum. While Japan made 15 out of their 39 three-point-shot attempts in the game. Sabrina Ionescu gave Japan a taste of their own medicine and made three, three-point-shots.
Throughout the game Team USA shared the ball extremely well to have 35 assists on 41 made field goals. Taurasi, and Ionescu had great passes that led to buckets from Wilson and Stewart. Chelsea Gray was also a big part of those numbers with her beautiful no look pass to Breanna Stewart.
“Lazer pass from Chelsea Gray,” LaChina Robinson stated.
The star players Wilson and Stewart combined for 46 points, 21 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 blocks, Japan had no answer to stop the two time MVP’s. The New York liberty Stewart had 22 points, 8 rebounds and she was 11/15 from the field.
Team USA lives to see another game after taking the win over Japan with a 102-76 win. Every player on the team USA roster scored in Monday’s game. The win streak continues to 56 now, which dates back to 1992 in Barcelona. On Thursday August 1st, Team USA will take on Belgium at 3pm Et on Peacock and USA network.
Kierra Richardson is a Journalism student at Ohio State University desiring to work in sports media.
