A’ja Wilson leads Team USA to a commanding victory over Nigeria’s D’Tigress

USA completely dominated Nigeria and secure pass to semis(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LAPRESSE

In a showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. women’s basketball team overpoweredNigeria, securing an 88-74 victory to advance to the semifinals. Leading the charge, A’ja Wilson racked up 20 points, with Jackie Young adding 15, Breanna Stewart contributing 13, and Brittney Grinerchipping in 11.

Team USA was on fire, shooting an impressive 54% from the field, though their 3-point shooting lagged at 26%. Dominating the boards with a 44-28 edge, they now set their sights on a semifinal clash with Australia on August 9, with hopes of clinching their eighth consecutive gold on August 11.

Chelsea Gray showcased her passing prowess early on, dishing out assists to Breanna Stewart for the second bucket and a cross-court three-pointer, setting the tone for the game. The Americans’ fluid offense was a spectacle to watch.

Nigeria, under the guidance of head coach Rena Wakama, who also serves as an assistant coach for Tulane, showed resilience and grit. They went toe-to-toe with the U.S. from the get-go, refusing to be intimidated by the American dynasty.

Cheryl Reeve, in a strategic move, made her first substitutions with just under four minutes left in the first quarter. Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson, and Napheesa Collier stepped off, making way for Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Griner. Diana Taurasi and Jewell Loyd soon followed, bringing fresh energy to the court.

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Jackie Young, starting the game for her defensive skills, made her presence felt with early buckets, tallying five points quickly. Breanna Stewart, not to be outdone, had seven points, while Diana Taurasi, off the bench, nailed a crucial three-pointer to give the U.S. some breathing room.

Despite a somewhat shaky start to the knockout rounds, with Nigeria showing no fear and going directly at Team USA, the Americans managed to close the first half with a 14-4 run. The halftime talk was all about ramping up intensity for the third quarter.

Breanna Stewart led with 13 points at halftime, followed closely by A’ja Wilson with 10. The U.S. was shooting a red-hot 59% from the field, though Coach Reeve wasn’t pleased with Nigeria’s 40% shooting, knowing defense was key to their success.

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By the end of the third quarter, the U.S. had blown the game wide open, leading 76-48. Four players had scored nine points or more, with Jackie Young at the helm with 15. Every player had contributed points, and the team’s field goal percentage was an astounding 60%. Australia was undoubtedly preparing for the impending battle.

The final buzzer saw Team USA firmly in control, dispatching Nigeria and punching their ticket to the semifinals. The victory was expected, but the journey to gold is far from over as they brace for the Aussies next.