In a team loaded with WNBA stars, the last two MVPs shone brightest for Team USA in their 102-76 win over Japan in the Group Phase opener. The game, a rematch of the 2021 Gold Medal Game, saw A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart dominate, combining for 46 points. Wilson posted 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, while Stewart added 22 points and 8 rebounds, leveraging their size advantage against Japan.
Brittney Griner supported their efforts, who grabbed nine rebounds and 3 assists, and Sabrina Ionescu hit three 3-pointers and dished out five assists. Kelsey Plum also contributed 11 points and 3 assists. The Americans shot an impressive 54.6% from the field and assisted on 35 of their 38 baskets, achieving a remarkable 92.1% assist rate. Chelsea Gray was pivotal in orchestrating the offense, with 13 assists in just 20 minutes.
Veteran Diana Taurasi made history by stepping onto the court for her sixth consecutive Olympic Games, the most in Women’s Basketball history, first appearing in Athens in 2004. She added 2 points and 3 rebounds in the win.
Japan managed to stay within reach during the first half, trailing 22-15 after the first quarter and 50-39 at halftime. However, the USA pulled away in the second half. Mai Yamamoto stood out for Japan, hitting 5-of-11 from three-point range, finishing with more threes than the entire USA squad, who shot just 4-of-20 from deep. Japan ended the game shooting 15-of-39 (38.5%) from beyond the arc.
The USA extended its Olympic win streak to 56 games with this victory. Next, the Americans will face Belgium on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, while Japan will take on Germany at 5 a.m. ET.
The post SOURCE SPORTS: Wilson and Stewart Lead USA to Dominant 102-76 Victory Over Japan in Olympic Opener first appeared on The Source.
The post SOURCE SPORTS: Wilson and Stewart Lead USA to Dominant 102-76 Victory Over Japan in Olympic Opener appeared first on The Source.