Team USA women’s basketball team began their quest for the gold medal in Paris on July 29. The players hit the court with determination to bring the medal back to the United States. Before their dominant victory over Japan, a Japanese fan caught their attention with a sign. Las Vegas Aces player A’Ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury player Brittney Griner were among those surprised by the sign, with Griner exclaiming, “Oh, wow!”
The fan, sporting a jersey half Brooklyn Nets and half Los Angeles Lakers, held up a sign that read, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” The message aimed to stir controversy or potentially unsettle the USA basketball team due to the absence of one of the WNBA rookies.
Despite the distraction, the team triumphed over Japan with a score of 102-76. NBC News reported that Team USA had no trouble securing the victory. Wilson shone with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty contributed 22 points and eight rebounds. Griner, Kelsey Plum of the Aces, and Sabrina Ionescu of the Mercury each added 11 points to maintain the lead. Chelsea Gray, who plays alongside Wilson and Plum, provided 13 assists.
Team USA’s next challenge is against Belgium, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 1.
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