The USA Women’s National Basketball Team wrapped up their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics with a commanding 84-57 victory over Germany at the Basketball Showcase in London.
Despite the decisive scoreline, the performance highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in the first half, which didn't quite meet the high standards the team has set over the years. However, the ability of this star-studded squad to secure a 27-point win without hitting top gear is a worrying sign for their Olympic rivals.
"It's all about progression," said five-time Olympic champion Diana Taurasi to CNN Sport after the game. "It’s all about getting a little bit better every time we get on the court. Today, obviously, we faced a German team that we’ll see at the Olympics.
“They’re a fabulous team; the Saballys [sisters Satou and Nyara] and they have WNBA players and a great coach that led Team Canada to great success, so we know every game is difficult. You look at our [Olympic] group play, all those teams have had great success.
“We found a little confidence today, a little more continuity between us offensively and defensively, so it was a step in the right direction.”
Early three-pointers from Taurasi and Breanna Stewart set the tone for a lopsided first quarter in which Germany managed just nine points on a paltry 21.1% shooting.
A’ja Wilson, who drew the loudest cheer from the crowd during player introductions, was assertive and dominant from the start. The two-time WNBA MVP scored eight early points, along with six rebounds and an assist, nearly matching Germany's team total in an electric opening quarter.
As a collective, however, Team USA still appeared somewhat rusty, likely a result of having had only a handful of practice sessions together before arriving in London. This team is still learning to play together each time they step onto the court.
At times, it seemed as though Team USA was forcing shots that weren't there, contributing to a low 39.5% shooting percentage from the floor in the first half. However, their ball movement improved throughout the game, resulting in 27 assists and scoring contributions from 10 different players.
On Saturday, the USA suffered a 117-109 defeat to the WNBA All-Stars, their second consecutive loss after a similar result ahead of the 2021 Olympics. Arike Ogunbowale, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, who was present in London, led the All-Stars.
Fortunately for the USA, this German roster is no All-Star team, and a 44-32 halftime lead quickly ballooned to a 19-point advantage with a 7-0 run to start the second half.
Even if this version of Team USA arrives in Paris still figuring things out ahead of their opening game against Japan on Monday, it’s unlikely any team at the Olympics will be able to cause an upset. No national team in the world comes close to matching the Americans' talent level.
“Defensively, there are probably some things that we’ll see on film to clean up,” Taurasi added. “But you know what? They play basketball too, this is their life, their profession. They scout, they practice.
“You’re not going to be perfect in a game and certainly in the Olympics when it’s the best teams there, there are going to be ups and downs. As long as we stay together and we stick to our principles, we’ll be alright.”
Guard Alexis Peterson, who has represented the USA but naturalized for Germany ahead of the Games, impressed the crowd with her nifty ball-handling, which frequently left defenders off-balance.
While most expected WNBA sisters Satou and Nyara Sabally to pose the biggest threat, it was Luisa Geiselsöder of French team Basket Landes who stood out for Germany, scoring a team-high 15 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night. The 24-year-old also added six rebounds, an assist, a steal, and two blocks.
To their credit, the Germans continued to stick around and closed the gap to 14 points by the end of the third quarter. However, any hopes of an unlikely comeback were extinguished as Sabrina Ionescu scored five quick points to begin the fourth quarter.
The crowd, though smaller than for Saturday’s men’s game, was lively throughout. Wilson, in particular, was a fan favorite in London, and she didn't disappoint, finishing with a game-high 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve had clearly emphasized defensive improvement ahead of the team’s arrival in London. When asked how the team can improve most before Paris, Aces star Chelsea Gray said instantly: “Defensively.”
“We’re getting better each time,” she told CNN. “This was a better showing, especially defensively. Offensively, we’re building chemistry during games and that’s the way we like it.”
As Team USA heads to Paris, they do so with a blend of optimism and realism, understanding that while they may not yet be perfect, they are steadily progressing towards their goal of Olympic gold.