The USA women’s national basketball team took on the German women’s national basketball team in the final game of group play. After winning their first two games, both teams already qualified for the quarterfinals, so they played for the No. 1 seed.
Germany On Fire
The first quarter was all about Germany as they jumped to a quick 5-0 start. It then became a 15-6 run as Team USA struggled on both ends of the floor. Until the 4:29 mark, only Breanna Stewart had scored for the team.
Despite the slow start, the game never got out of hand due to early foul trouble on Germany’s side. Alyssa Thomas drew two charges, allowing the USA to regain the ball and put points on the board.
USA Waking Up
Team USA went on a 12-3 run to close the first quarter and begin the second, giving them their first lead. After missing their first three attempts from three, they made back-to-back three-pointers.
Their defense started picking up, forcing turnovers, which led to easy offense. They led by as many as 13 thanks to an 11-0 run. Germany was held to 10 points in the second quarter, shooting 4/15 from the field. They also had 15 turnovers at the half, which led to 14 USA points.
The bench was also a major factor, with Team USA’s bench having 18 first-half points to Germany’s 3. Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 11 points, followed by A’ja Wilson with eight. Six of those points came in the second quarter.
USA On Fire
Because of how well the second unit played, USA head coach Cheryl Reeve changed the lineup. She had Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, and Sabrina Ionescu start the second half.
Despite the change, the first quarter began similarly, with Germany going on a 5-0 run to cut the lead to seven. But this time, the USA had an answer, going on their run to push the lead back to double digits.
Germany continued to cut into the lead, but it was useless as Team USA closed the third quarter on a 20-5 run to increase their lead to 23.
The Final Stretch
The main factor entering the fourth quarter was the point differential. Even though the USA had already qualified for the quarterfinals, they were second in their group due to the point differential. Finishing the game with a considerable lead would ensure they finish number one in their group and clinch the top seed.
Germany was in the same boat since they also qualified for the next round. They needed to win or lose the game within single digits to remain number one in the group and clinch the top seed.
It was a back-and-forth game, with the USA maintaining their lead. They led by as many as 27, which was the game’s largest lead by either team. Germany continued putting a dent in the USA’s lead, but it was not enough, as Team USA won 87-68.
Jackie Young led the USA with 19 points and four steals. She was the main story in the second half, hitting a three at the buzzer to end the third quarter and continuing her hot shooting in the fourth.
A’ja Wilson scored 14 points, three steals, and two blocks. Breanna Stewart scored 13 points and three rebounds. Kahleah Copper scored nine points, followed by Naphessa Collier with eight and seven rebounds. Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu each scored six points and five assists.
What’s Next?
Group play is over, so everything from here on out is one and done. The quarterfinals will begin on August 7, with the USA taking on Nigeria. The game will start at 3:30 p.m. EST and air on Peacock/USA. The winner of this game will take on either Serbia or Australia in the semifinals.
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