With the WNBA is on pause, the 2024 Olympic Games are in full swing as the best women in the world are representing their countries and striving for medals in the women’s 5×5 basketball competition.
Group C, composed of Team USA, Germany, Belgium and Japan, kicked off action on Monday with two matchups. The United States opened up with a 102-76 victory over Japan and Germany handled Belgium with an 83-69 victory, marking both opening games as uneventful blowouts and leaving Team USA and Germany as the top two teams in the group with two points a piece.
How Team USA, Germany dominated
Both opening games were smooth sailing for one country and a nightmare for the other.
Team USA did Team USA stuff. Fueled by a terrific team effort, the women from the United States were catapulted by the two-headed dragon of Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson as they combined for 46 of 102 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists, leaving Japan no chance to mount a comeback as Team USA led every quarter.
Germany jumped out to an early lead and got a well-rounded effort from their starting lineup as nearly every starter logged double-digit points and the team shot better than 50 percent from the floor. They also dominated the glass. Belgium struggled with their footing from the tip and never established a true groove in this matchup, despite an impressive showing from Emma Meesseman.
What’s next?
With the second round of Group C games set to tip off on Thursday, it is up Japan and Belgium to make a push for the quarterfinals. Japan will meet Germany at 5 a.m. ET (Peacock), while Belgium will battle Team USA at 2:45 p.m. ET (USA Network).
Game information
Japan vs. Germany
When: Thursday, August 1 at 5 a.m. ET
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: Peacock
Belgium vs. United States
When: Thursday, August 1 at 2:45 p.m. ET
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: USA Network
