Jackie Young and Team USA Bench Made Case for Olympics Starting Lineup Shift

Robin Lundberg | Aug 4, 2024

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Diana Taurasi and Chelsea Gray didn't play a second in the second half against Germany. That after they have started every game for Team USA thus far in the Olympics. But the backcourt has been an area of struggle for the Americans, until the bench gets in the game. Which was put into focus by Jackie Young in the squad's latest win.

Jackie Young off the bench vs Germany:

19 PTS
4 RBS
4 STL
2 AST
7-13 FG
5-8 3P
27 MIN

Team USA wins, 87-68! 🇺🇸 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/y31pjoUJ1o

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) August 4, 2024

Young, one of the WNBA's most complete players for the Las Vegas Aces, came off the pine to drop 19-points and help the United States pull away from the German team they trailed in the first quarter. Young combined with New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu to change the tone of the contest defensively, and obviously got it done on the offensive end as well.

Jackie Young beats the 3Q buzzer and is feeling it 🔥

Another @LVAces 🌟… up to 17 PTS and 5 3PM!

📺 USA Network and Peacockpic.twitter.com/xaXkqbkXw7

— NBA (@NBA) August 4, 2024

Sabrina had also been a catalyst in the last victory, down to shushing an unfavorable crowd. And it is becoming clear that head coach Cheryl Reeve is going to have to rely more heavily on her reserves in order to put the best product on the floor, while also possibly needing to switch the starters as she did after halftime against Germany. With Sabrina and Jackie looking like prime candidates for a bigger role, especially given the starting backcourt has scored a total of only four points thus far.

I better not see this graphic again 🤏🏽#OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/Wk3r5D8fKR

— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) August 4, 2024

Team USA has been heavily reliant on A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart throughout the competition, which was once again the case. However, even though Wilson and Stewart led the starting five in scoring, they made up much less of the total point production than in previous contests. That's because Young, Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper (who didn't play at all in the last game) all contributed in the win.

I understand the veteran respect, but at this point Sabrina Ionescu should be the full-time starter over Diana Taurasi for #TeamUSA

— Brandon N. (@brandon_nwokeji) August 4, 2024

So, while Team USA continues to rack up wins in the Olympics, an adjustment may be necessary if the world's top roster truly wants to play its best basketball.

The starting guards for Team USA have 4 total points in the Olympics (2/12 FG • 0/7 3PT).

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) August 4, 2024