Team USA ended their previous gold medal run with a dominant win over Japan, and they now start a new Olympic run with another dominant victory over the Akatsuki.
In a show of strength, Team USA posted a wire-to-wire 102-76 win in women’s basketball of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Tuesday (Philippine time).
Two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson led the way for the Americans with a sensational double-double, shooting 10/16 from the field for 24 points, to go along with 13 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks.
Another two-time WNBA MVP in Breanna Stewart backed her up, adding 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Despite a competitive first half, Team USA never trailed. The top-ranked Americans broke the game open in the second half, leading by as many as 32 points in the fourth quarter.
Japan outshot Team USA in three-pointers, 15-4. The treys allowed the Akatsuki to keep things relatively close in the first half, especially in the second quarter.
Maki Tanaka scored 24 points on 10/11 shooting for Japan, while Mai Yamamoto drilled five triples for 17 points.
