So, you want to know how Team USA bounces back after a tough loss? Just ask Germany. On Tuesday, our women’s basketball team took the court in London and decided to remind everyone why they’re the gold standard. And boy, did they deliver an emphatic 84-57 smackdown.
A’ja Wilson, the reigning queen of the WNBA, strolled onto the court and proceeded to play like she owned the place. With 19 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in just 25 minutes, she had more than double-doubles on her mind – she had dominance written all over her. By halftime, Wilson already had 10 points and 11 rebounds, setting the pace for what turned into a clinic.
Joining the Wilson show, Breanna Stewart chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Diana Taurasi, the seasoned vet heading into her sixth Olympics, added five points, two rebounds, and two assists in her 16 minutes. It wasn’t about dazzling shooting percentages (Team USA hit 41.7% from the field), but about smothering defense – the kind that held Germany to a mere 29.4% shooting and forced 17 turnovers. That’s right, 17.
And let’s talk transition. Germany might as well have been jogging in quicksand as Team USA raced ahead with 25 fast-break points to Germany’s paltry five. It was like watching a high-speed car chase in a buddy cop movie, only the bad guys never stood a chance.
USA Women’s Basketball: An unstoppable force with Paris in their sights
Now, let’s take a little trip down memory lane. The USA women’s team hasn’t just been good; they’ve been practically untouchable. We’re talking 55 straight Olympic victories, a streak starting way back in 1996 in Atlanta. Their last Olympic loss? 1992 in Barcelona. Most of the current players were barely out of diapers then.
Diana Taurasi goes off on Team USA after loss to WNBA All-Stars
So, what’s next? Team USA is on a fast track to Paris with Japan first up in the Olympic group play. Then it’s Belgium on August 1 and a rematch with Germany on August 4. If Tuesday’s game was any indication, the road to the gold looks like a well-paved highway for Team USA.
Germany, featuring WNBA talents like Leonie Fiebich and the Sabally sisters, Satou and Nyara, never really had a shot. From the first whistle, USA jumped out to a 22-9 lead and never looked back, maintaining a comfortable cushion all the way to the final buzzer.
So, if you’re thinking the USA women might be vulnerable this time around, think again. Paris better be ready because Team USA is coming in hot, and they’ve got gold on their minds.
