USA Women's Basketball Team Is Not Facing WNBA All-Stars In Olympics
The USA women's basketball team has already faced its toughest competition. That came in the form of the WNBA All-Stars, who defeated the Olympians while drawing record ratings. But when it comes to Paris, unlike on the men's side, it should be much smoother sailing for Team USA. Which was shown in a dominant showcase win over Germany.
A’ja Wilson vs Team Germany:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) July 23, 2024
19 PTS
14 RBS
2 STL
2 BLK
7-13 FG
25 MIN
Team USA wins the exhibition match, 84-57! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/l2Fog69Zdf
The U.S. beat Germany 84-57, led by Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds. She was joined in the front-court by reigning MVP Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, who added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. That combo in unison with the rest of the talent on the roster simply overwhelmed the German squad. Which was in sharp contrast to what we saw on the men's side the day prior, as they needed LeBron James to shoulder the load in order to square away a victory against Germany.
The men's basketball landscape has completely changed since the dominance of The Dream Team in 1992. The United States remains the powerhouse of basketball but the gap has closed significantly, as evidenced by the recent competitive contests with Germany and South Sudan, despite a stacked American squad. This of course coming after a notorious bronze medal finish in 2004, coupled with far tougher golds since and an influx of foreign talent in the NBA.
Steph and KD sitting courtside to watch USA basketball women’s team 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EGR8m8wi7t
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) July 23, 2024
The same has not yet happened when it comes to the women. Team USA W is 70-3 overall in Olympic competition and has not lost a single game since 1992. They have won a record seven consecutive golds starting in 1996, and appear to be well on the way to an eighth, which would make six for Diana Taurasi alone. Though they have dropped both exhibitions against the WNBA All-Stars, in 2021 and this year.
Of course no result is guaranteed, and Team USA is sure to take the competition in Paris seriously. They just won't be seeing the likes of Arike Ogunbowale, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the opposite side of the court at the Olympics. Which is a good thing as far as winning gold goes, but not so much when it comes to excitement and intrigue.
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!