Paris, France – The U.S. women’s basketball team commenced their pursuit of an eighth consecutive gold medal with a dominant performance at the Paris Olympics on Monday.
Team USA showcased their prowess by defeating Japan 102-76 in the group stage opener. Led by Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, who combined for 46 points on 21-of-31 shooting, the team exhibited a formidable frontcourt presence. Contributions from Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, and Chelsea Gray further solidified their victory.
A notable highlight of the game was the U.S.’ significant size advantage, evident in their 56 rebounds compared to Japan’s 27. The trio of Wilson, Griner, and Stewart alone secured 30 boards, surpassing Japan’s overall rebound total.
Despite Japan’s efforts, fueled by Maki Takada’s impressive performance off the bench and Mai Yamamoto’s 17 points from beyond the arc, the U.S. consistently maintained control. Japan’s relative success with three-point shots kept the game competitive for a portion of the matchup.
While the U.S. struggled with their outside shooting, their efficiency inside the paint remained exceptional, shooting 66.7% on 2-pointers. The team’s straightforward offensive strategy of exploiting their height advantage, shooting over defenders, and dominating the boards proved effective throughout the game.
The game served as a showcase of the depth of talent on the U.S. squad in Paris, dispelling doubts raised prior to the event. With a loaded roster, the U.S. team appears poised to continue their success, setting a high bar for their competitors to match.