© John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Team USA women’s basketball started its group play on Monday against Japan, steamrolling en route to a 26-point victory.
USA stars A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart combined for 46 points — as expected. The two foes-turned-teammates are regarded by many as the top two women’s players on the planet, so this doesn’t come as much of a shocker.
Conversely, Brittney Griner showed out and played an integral role in Team USA’s victory. Griner tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block. This comes after not playing in the recent exhibition game against Germany, where Team USA won by 27 points.
Japan’s tallest player is Maki Takada — who stands at 6-foot-1 inches tall. Griner, listed at 6-foot-9, was able to feast in just 15 minutes of play.
For reference, that stat line would come out to 26 points, 21 rebounds and seven assists if Griner played 36 minutes. Obviously, 36 minutes in a FIBA game — let alone women’s basketball in general, is a lot. But the impressiveness behind that dominance stands.
Like, is this even fair?
Brittney Griner out here terrorizing these people 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Q6lBEFdG4u
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 29, 2024
Needless to say, Japan did its best to hang in amongst the trenches. Regardless, it wasn’t enough.
A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart dominate in Paris 2024 Olympic opener, Team USA smoke Japan 102-76
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
