Team USA defeats Nigeria 88-74 in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semi-finals where they will meet Australia. A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young led the way with a combined 35 points.
DUB! ???? #Paris2024 Semifinals
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— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 7, 2024
USA Nigeria
Team USA changed its starting lineup, replacing Diana Taurasi with Jackie Young. Young earner her starting spot after scoring 19 points off the bench in the previous game.
Jackie’s impact was evident early on, both defensively and offensively, as she went 3-4 from the field in the first quarter and scored 5 points. After one quarter, Team USA led Nigeria 26-17.
Jackie Young smooth spin move and jumper ???????? pic.twitter.com/cX8Zic4mh2
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) August 7, 2024
Nigeria would rally back in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 4,31-27 halfway through. Team USA’s depth would be too much, as they outscored Nigeria 21-6 and led by 19 at halftime, 52-33.
Finding separation.@breannastewart 13 pts@_ajawilson22 10 pts, 6 reb@JackieYoung3 9 pts#USABWNT x #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/xHhy9BJgi0
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 7, 2024
Team USA would continue to dominate in the third quarter leading by as many as 30 for most of the quarter. Kahleah Copper scored late in the third quarter, ensuring that every player on Team USA scored.
Kah checking in & knocking it down.
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pic.twitter.com/jiglGcxned— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 7, 2024
In the fourth quarter, Team USA took their foot off the gas a little, with Nigeria outscoring them 26-12. It was too little, too late, as Team USA went onto win 88-74.
A’ja Wilson led Team USA with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. Wilson had her third double-double and fifth Olympic 20-point game, shooting 9-11 (82%) from the field.
5th Olympic 20-point game for A'ja to help lead ???????? #USABWNT to the semifinals.#Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/nrRIbDrVnU
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 7, 2024
Jackie Young made her first start and ended with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Young shot 6-10 from the field (60%), including a perfect 6-6 from inside the three-point line.
Breanna Stewart ended with 13 points and Britney Grinner scored 11, rounding out the double-digit scoring for the US.
Team USA will advance to the semi-finals, where they will meet Australia on August 9. Sami Whitcomb leads Australia averaging 14.8 points per game, while Alanna Smith averages 12.3 points per game. Team USA is led by A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who both average 20.3 points per game.
