Team USA’s Women’s Basketball Teams Shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics have seen strong performances from Team USA's women's basketball teams, both in the traditional 5x5 and the increasingly popular 3x3 formats, as they showcase their skills on the global stage.
5x5 Basketball: Dominating the Group Stage
Team USA’s 5x5 women’s basketball team has been nothing short of dominant in their group stage matches. The team kicked off their campaign with a commanding 102-76 victory over Japan, held in Lille, France. A’ja Wilson led the team with a stellar double-double, racking up 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Breanna Stewart added 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brittney Griner contributed 11 points and nine rebounds. Their overpowering performance in the paint and superior rebounding were crucial to their success against Japan.
Following this win, Team USA faced Belgium, where Jackie Young stepped up as the leading scorer with 19 points, helping secure an 87-74 victory. This win further solidified Team USA’s place as one of the top contenders for the gold medal. They are set to face Germany next in their final group stage match before advancing to the knockout rounds, where they aim to capture their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in women’s basketball.
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3x3 Basketball: Wins Bronze
On the 3x3 court, Team USA’s women’s team, comprising Hailey Van Lith, Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, and Rhyne Howard, had a rollercoaster tournament. After some early struggles, including a close loss to Australia (17-15), the team bounced back to secure crucial wins, including a 17-11 victory over Spain in the pool stage. Their gritty performance continued as they defeated China twice, once in pool play (14-12) and again in the play-in round (21-13), to advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Team USA faced a tough Spanish team and was narrowly defeated, knocking them out of contention for the gold. However, they showed tremendous resilience by securing a bronze medal with a hard-fought victory over Canada. This bronze is a testament to their determination and skill, ensuring that Team USA remained on the podium despite the challenges faced throughout the tournament.
As the Olympics progress, the 5x5 team is on track for a deep run, while the 3x3 team has already added to the nation’s medal tally with their bronze. With the games set to conclude on August 11, all eyes are on these athletes as they continue to pursue excellence and aim for further glory on the world stage.
Go Team USA!
