How Team USA won Tokyo gold medal rematch at 2024 Olympics debut

The leading candidates to upset Team USA in this tournament — Australia, Belgium and Canada — all lost by double figures. An African team had never won a group stage game in Olympic play before, but that changed on Monday after Nigeria defeated Australia by 13. Germany was the debutante at the Olympics, but it showed no intimidation, shutting down Belgium, 83-69, just miles from the border. Alexis Peterson, still fresh to the team after earning her naturalization, proved how valuable she will be in this event, scoring 15 points and dishing out eight assists. Canada might have some of the brightest young talent outside of the U.S. However, the French used a homecourt edge to take control from the opening tip to win by 21.

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Familiar foe for Team USA

The U.S.- Japan game was a rematch from the Olympic final three years ago, won by the U.S. 90-75. Despite the size advantage of Team USA, Japan used its speed and long-range shooting to stay competitive. Even when the game was well out of hand in the fourth quarter, highlights resulted with the bench jumping and cheering.

In addition to Monday and the final from Tokyo, the U.S. knocked Japan out in the quarterfinals at Rio 2016. In all three of those games, both teams showed great sportsmanship and respect towards each other, with conclusions featuring much smiling and hugging.

A’ja Wilson scored her Olympic career-high of 24 points on Monday to match Japan’s Maki Takada for the game high. Wilson also grabbed 13 rebounds, while Breanna Stewart recorded 22 points and eight rebounds.

Collier back in full swing

Napheesa Collier, who played seldomly with a foot injury in previous games, started in the front court with Wilson and Stewart. The Minnesota Lynx forward played for 15 minutes on Monday and responded to what its like getting every team’s best effort.

“There is pressure,” Collier said, “but you do your best work under pressure. So it is an honor to have it. We are at the Olympics. Every team is really good, that is why we need to come out with our A game every single night. We need to be prepared.”

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Wednesday’s games

In Group A on Wednesday, Spain meets Puerto Rico before China and Serbia clash. It could be a must win for the reigning world silver medalists China. It dropped its first game by one point to Spain and fell to Serbia in an Olympic tune-up by 11.

Group B and C on Thursday

Japan and Germany will get things started from Le Stade Pierre Mauroy on Thursday. Following is a must-win meeting between Canada and Australia. Nigeria will seek to continue its magical run versus the host team France. Lastly, the U.S. will play Belgium, tipping at 3 p.m. ET.