In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, the U.S. women’s basketball team overcame a slow start to secure an 87-68 victory against Germany in their final Group C game of the 2024 Paris Olympic tournament on Sunday. Held at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the win extended Team USA’s impressive Olympic winning streak to 58 games, propelling them into the knockout rounds with confidence and momentum.
Much like their previous game against Belgium, the U.S. team initially struggled to find their rhythm. However, their relentless defense proved pivotal, allowing just 10 points and forcing eight turnovers in a game-changing second quarter. This defensive intensity set the stage for a dominant second-half performance.
Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson once again led the charge, combining for 27 points on an efficient 12-of-22 shooting. Yet, this game saw significant contributions from the U.S. backcourt, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. Jackie Young emerged as the leading scorer with 19 points, including an impressive 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, while Kahleah Copper added three 3-pointers to help break the game wide open in the third quarter.
The Americans’ victory not only clinched the top spot in Group C but also secured the No. 1 overall ranking in group play, positioning them favorably for the knockout stages. This achievement ensures that Team USA will be on the opposite side of the bracket from the No. 2 overall team, likely to be host nation France. As the quarterfinals approach, the U.S. team awaits its next opponent, which will be determined by a random draw at the conclusion of group play.
