In their Olympic opener, the United States women’s basketball team showcased overwhelming dominance against Japan, winning 102-76. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were pivotal in this victory, exploiting the size differential effectively. Wilson scored 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, showcasing relentless aggression in the paint. She emphasized the importance of establishing dominance early in the game, stating, “the most physical team normally gets the win.”
Stewart complemented Wilson’s interior prowess with 22 points and 8 rebounds. The fast-paced game played to her advantage as she frequently outran Japanese defenders in transition. Together, Wilson and Stewart proved to be a two-woman tandem that complicated defensive strategies for their opponents.
Team USA’s scoring largely came from the paint, accumulating 64 points. This strategic focus on inside scoring allowed them to capitalize on Japan’s size limitations, as their tallest player stood at just 6-foot-1.
Key Players Steer the Team
The contribution of Brittney Griner further solidified the U.S. frontcourt’s dominance, as she added 11 points and 9 rebounds while shooting efficiently. Griner’s physical presence created additional challenges for the Japanese defense.
Chelsea Gray’s role as a playmaker was vital. She orchestrated plays and frequently opened up passing lanes, resulting in 13 assists—just one short of the American Olympic record. Her capability to facilitate ball movement allowed for a fluid offensive performance.
Sabrina Ionescu made a notable entrance in her Olympic debut. The young player impressed with three three-pointers and five assists, demonstrating effective chemistry with fellow teammate Stewart. Coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged Ionescu’s excitement and performance, highlighting her ability to connect with teammates in transition.
Strategic Ball Movement
The U.S. team’s offensive strategy was underpinned by stellar ball movement, illustrated by their impressive tally of 34 assists. This unselfish play style allowed numerous scoring opportunities and minimized wasted possessions. Coach Reeve emphasized the team’s commitment to inside scoring, saying, “We had a good showing at that.”
Despite a slow start from beyond the arc—only making one of their first 13 three-pointers—the Americans maintained a strong grip on the game. Japan had moments where they capitalized on their outside shooting, particularly with nine three-pointers in the first half.
Competitive Landscape
Japan faced significant challenges due to the size disparity. While they displayed bright moments, particularly with their outside shooting, the overall matchup proved difficult. Led by Maki Takada’s 22 points, Japan struggled to match the interior presence of Team USA.
Historically, this victory continues a long-standing trend; Team USA has remained undefeated in Olympic women’s basketball since 1992. The comprehensive win against Japan sends a strong message as the U.S. pursues its eighth consecutive gold medal. The game not only showcased the talents of individual players but also underscored team dynamics and tactical strengths that set the stage for future matchups in the tournament.