Women’s Olympic Basketball Match Report: Wilson + Stewart vs. Takahashi, USA vs. Japan

On July 30th, the women’s basketball group stage continued in Paris Olympics, with the USA women’s basketball team facing off against Japan.

The first quarter saw Wilson score first, followed by Evelyn making a basket in the paint, and Stewart hitting a strong shot. The teams were engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with a slow offensive pace. Wilson then scored consecutively, with Coleur making a break and scoring. This led to an 8-0 run for the USA, taking a 12-4 lead. Yamamoto made a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, followed by Plum scoring from a jump shot. Then she nailed another three-pointer. Wilson continued to score, increasing the lead to 10 points. Japan then hit two consecutive threes to counteract the bleeding. Griner showed her height advantage in the paint, scoring a layup. At the end of the first quarter, the USA was leading 22-15.

In the second quarter, Yamamoto made a three-pointer. The USA’s outside shooting was sluggish, but they maintained their lead due to their strong presence in the paint, with Stewart and Griner scoring. An 8-0 run brought the USA’s lead to 30-18. Yamamoto made a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, followed by Griner making a shot. Japan’s three-pointers continued to fall, while Stewart made a jump shot. Japan’s three-pointers were also falling. However, the USA’s three-point attempts were not successful. Stewart made a mid-range shot to stabilize the situation, and Takahashi made a three-pointer. As the USA tried to increase their lead, Japan responded with three-pointers. Stewart then scored consecutively, showcasing the USA’s dominance in the paint. Wilson made a 2+1, and Kogure scored a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the half, with the USA leading 50-39.

After halftime, Coleur made a layup on a fast break, followed by Wilson scoring in the paint. Japan struggled offensively, failing to break the deadlock for over 3 minutes until Tanaka Rui made a three-pointer. Wilson retaliated with a 2+1, and Yamamoto made a three-pointer. Stewart scored in the paint, highlighting the USA’s significant advantage in the paint. They continued to score, with Yoneyama making a layup. The score reached 69-49. Takahashi scored in the paint, and Kogure made a three-pointer. The USA then took turns going to the free-throw line, increasing their lead through free throws. By the end of the third quarter, the USA was leading 79-57 over Japan.

In the final quarter, Plum made a layup on a breakaway, followed by Yoneyama making a three-pointer. The USA’s offense then stalled, and they called a timeout to adjust. Yoneyama made a three-pointer to stabilize the situation, and Stewart made a fast-break layup, further widening the gap. Takahashi made a layup to stop the bleeding, and Yoneyama made another three-pointer. Lloyd made two free throws, increasing the lead to 30 points, effectively ending the game. Ultimately, the USA women’s basketball team defeated Japan 102-76, securing their first win.

Player Data:

• USA Women’s Basketball: Wilson – 24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists; Stewart – 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Plum – 11 points, 3 assists; Griner – 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists; Young – 7 points; Yoneyama – 11 points, 3 assists; Taurasi – 2 points, 3 rebounds; Gray – 2 points, 13 assists, 2 steals
• Japan Women’s Basketball: Takahashi – 24 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Yamamoto – 17 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal; Kogure – 12 points, 3 assists; Tanaka Rui – 6 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists; Lin Sakihiko – 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Akaho Hana – 5 points

Player Rosters:

• USA Women’s Basketball Starting Lineup: Coleur, Gray, Stewart, Taurasi, Wilson
• Japan Women’s Basketball Starting Lineup: Lin Sakihiko, Stephanie, Evelyn, Kogure, Yamamoto