July 30, in the women’s basketball group stage of the Paris Olympics, Team USA beat Japan 102-76, securing a strong start.
In this game, Team USA did face some challenges, as they were unable to create a significant lead in the first half and their outside shooting was cold. However, their clear advantage in the paint ensured an 11-point lead at halftime. In the second half, with Japan’s shooting touch cooling off, Wilson and Stewart continued to score, widening the gap and making the outcome inevitable early on.
Despite going 4 for 20 from three-point range, Team USA still secured a big win due to their overwhelming dominance in the paint, outrebounding Japan 49-19. Wilson scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, shooting 10 for 16, facing little resistance; Stewart added 22 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 11 for 15 very efficiently. This left Japan with no answers. Off the bench, center Griner also contributed 11 points and 9 rebounds. Japan’s short stature would have led to an even more lopsided loss if not for their decent three-point shooting.