In a dramatic opening game of the Paris Olympics, the USA Women’s Basketball team showcased their dominance over Japan, despite a cheeky sign from a Japanese fan taunting the squad. The sign, which read “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us,” was a nod to the exclusion of the rising star Caitlin Clark from the 2024 roster.
Clark, a standout rookie from Iowa, had become a sensation in the WNBA and a fan favorite. Her absence from the Team USA lineup stirred debate and criticism, but the American team’s performance in the game provided a powerful response.
USA Women’s Basketball Shines Against Japan
The U.S. team faced off against Japan, the 2020 Olympic finalists, and quickly asserted their superiority. The Americans’ physical dominance was evident, with six players taller than Japan’s tallest competitor, Maki Takada. Despite Japan’s valiant efforts, trailing by just seven points late in the second quarter, the U.S. pulled away with a strong performance led by A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
Wilson and Stewart combined for 46 points, 21 rebounds, and seven blocks, leading the U.S. to a commanding victory. The team capitalized on their size advantage, scoring 64 points in the paint and demonstrating offensive prowess with 32 baskets through entry passes and offensive rebounds. Britney Griner also played a crucial role inside, while Chelsea Gray excelled in playmaking with 13 assists. Sabrina Ionescu added 13 points and five assists.
Looking Ahead: Belgium on the Horizon
The U.S. Women’s Basketball team will next face Belgium on August 1, 2024, followed by a game against Germany on August 3. The matchup with Belgium is expected to be challenging, as the two teams previously met in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, where the U.S. narrowly escaped overtime thanks to Stewart’s last-second tip-in.
Belgium, despite their recent loss to Germany, will have home-court support in Lille, France, given its proximity to the Belgian border. The Belgian Cats will be eager to leverage their talent and resilience to challenge the U.S., who are aiming to extend their winning streak and maintain their dominant position on the Olympic stage.
