Scoreboard
USA 81, Nigeria 72
What went down
The U.S. women’s national basketball team started its gold medal campaign in the Tokyo Olympics with a victory but not before weathering a huge challenge from Nigeria.
A’ja Wilson had 19 points and 13 rebounds, providing the heavy lifting for Team USA. Brittney Griner also had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds while Breanna Stewart added nine points, 11 boards, and four assists.
Team USA, the clear favorites who have not lost in the Olympics since 1992, was met with a tremendous effort from Nigeria (ranked No. 17 in the world).
After a slow start that saw Nigeria take a stunning 8-1 lead in the opening minutes, the U.S. was able to gather its bearings. Wilson got into her groove and Griner established herself in the post. Veteran playmaker Sue Bird orchestrated the offense with her precise passes that paved the way for a commanding 22-point lead.
But Nigeria kept closing the distance, leaning on its gritty defense that saw the U.S. commit a whopping 25 turnovers. A huge (and rare) 5-point play with three and a half minutes to play opened the door for one last chance for a comeback.
Adaora Elonu drilled a 3-pointer as she was fouled by Wilson. It was deemed an unsportsmanlike foul, thus giving two more foul shots for Elonu. From a 75-62 USA lead, the deficit was dramatically cut to just eight.
Nigeria’s comeback bid was eventually shut down as Slyvia Fowles and Chelsea Grey hit timely baskets down the stretch. A massive upset was avoided but Nigeria showed it could play against the best team in the world. The last time the U.S. Women’s team did not win by double-digits in the Olympics was in a 2004 semifinal game versus Russia.
It was the 50th consecutive win for Team USA Women, who are gunning for a record-tying seventh straight Olympic gold medal in team sports.
Big-time baller
A’ja Wilson balled out in her Olympic debut with 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting, 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. The reigning WNBA MVP provided a steady presence on both ends of the floor.
What she said
The game between the USA and Nigeria had a big cloud hanging over as Nneka Ogwumike was not in the lineup of either team. After the former WNBA MVP was left out of the US roster, she requested to play for the Nigerian team, which FIBA later denied.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Ogwumike said: "I still have a lot of pride and high hopes for the Nigerian team as it's composed now...So, maybe this time around, I won't be a part of it directly, but I certainly do hope that I can be in the future."
Did you see that?
Sue Bird had 13 assists in Team USA’s win. She steered her squad on offense, making pinpoint passes and timely dimes against the tough defense of Nigeria.
Gunning for a personal fifth straight gold medal, she now has 100 dimes in her illustrious Olympic career.
1?0?0? Olympic Assists for @S10Bird 💯
— FIBA #Tokyo2020 (@FIBA) July 27, 2021
What a LEGEND 🇺🇸#Tokyo2020 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/j2DyBWoG77
