The U.S. women’s basketball team continued their Olympic dominance with an 88-74 victory over Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, extending their remarkable winning streak to 59 consecutive games. With this win, Team USA is just two steps away from capturing their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, a testament to their sustained excellence on the world stage.
Nigeria, a team that has defied expectations throughout the tournament, entered the quarterfinals with a fearless approach. Known for their aggressive, high-paced style of play, the Nigerians led the tournament in steals and brought a frenetic energy that had unsettled many of their previous opponents. Their journey to the quarterfinals was nothing short of inspirational, capturing the attention of basketball fans worldwide.
However, against a U.S. team that is simply too big, too fast, and too skilled, Nigeria’s Cinderella run met a formidable challenge. Despite some early moments of carelessness by the Americans, they quickly found their rhythm, slicing through Nigeria’s defense with precision. The U.S. shot an impressive 58% from the field, a figure that underscores their offensive efficiency and ability to adapt under pressure.
As has been the case throughout the tournament, it was the dynamic duo of A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart who set the tone for Team USA. Wilson was unstoppable, delivering a dominant performance with 20 points on an incredibly efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also pulling down 11 rebounds and adding two blocks. Stewart contributed 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, showcasing her all-around game and leadership on the court.
Another key contributor for Team USA was Jackie Young, who was newly inserted into the starting lineup. Young responded with 15 points, providing a significant boost to the American offense and further solidifying her role in the rotation.
For Nigeria, point guard Ezinne Kalu was a standout, scoring 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting and dishing out seven assists. Kalu’s performance was a bright spot for Nigeria, capping off an impressive Olympic run that saw her lead her team with poise and tenacity.
While Nigeria’s journey ends here, they have much to be proud of, having captured the world’s attention with their spirited play. For Team USA, the focus now shifts to the semifinals, where they will face a familiar rival in Australia. The matchup is set to rekindle a storied rivalry that dominated women’s basketball in the early 2000s, adding another layer of excitement to what promises to be a thrilling contest.
As the U.S. inches closer to yet another gold medal, the question remains: can anyone stop this juggernaut? With just two more victories needed to secure their place in history, Team USA remains the team to beat, and their relentless pursuit of excellence shows no signs of slowing down.
