Team USA women's basketball superstars A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart , who dominated Japan in the Olympics on Monday, are often fierce rivals. They faced each other in last year's WNBA Finals and were within votes of one another for league MVP .
In Team USA's 102-76 victory over Japan, though, Wilson and Stewart made for an overwhelming duo that scored and rebounded at will. They're enjoying each other's presence as they push for a gold medal.
Wilson shot 10-of-16 from the field against Japan, while Stewart went 11-of-15. They combined for 21 rebounds.
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Below, Mirror Sports U.S. runs through the box score and key takeaways from the USA women's basketball team's commanding victory over Japan at the 2024 Paris Olympics...
Team USA vs Japan takeaways at Paris Games
Wilson and Stewart can do whatever they want
It's a testament to Team USA's depth under Cheryl Reeve that Brittney Griner , one of the best bigs in history, didn't crack the starting lineup on Monday. She'd likely be the best player for any other country.
Instead, Wilson and Stewart were the first-choice options in the paint, and they delivered a comprehensive performance that almost made viewers feel bad for Japan.
"I had to play in my strength," Wilson told reporters afterward. "And I think in these types of games, you have to hit first early because we always say the most physical team normally gets the win. So we had to come out and establish ourselves at an all-time high just on the stage that we're on. I think we had a good showing at that."
Taurasi sturdy but limited in start
Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi has faced questions about what her role should be at the 2024 Olympics, and whether a younger guard might fit better in the backcourt alongside Chelsea Gray.
Team USA would probably win gold no matter who it puts on the court from a loaded squad. In choosing Taurasi for the starting lineup Monday , Reeve gave respect to the legendary guard's legacy. And Taurasi was solid if unspectacular against Japan, playing just 15 minutes but doing little wrong even while scoring only two points.
If not Taurasi, then who?
Reeve will have little reason to change her rotation following a resounding win. But if she ever slides Taurasi into a reserve role at the Games, Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu made their cases for stepping up in her place. Both scored 11 points and provided flashy assists.
They have the advantage of impeccable chemistry with Team USA's best players, Wilson and Stewart, as they play with them in the WNBA on the Aces and Liberty, respectively.
"She was very, very, very excited, and she was terrific," Reeve said of Ionescu following the contest. "Her passing and transition, and her and Stew's connection, was fun to watch."
Team USA vs Japan stats
USA starters
Chelsea Gray: 2 PTS, 0 REB, 13 AST, 20 MIN
Diana Taurasi: 2 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 15 MIN
Napheesa Collier: 4 PTS, 2 REB, 0 AST, 15 MIN
Breanna Stewart: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST, 26 MIN
A'ja Wilson: 24 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 26 MIN
USA bench
Alyssa Thomas: 2 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 18 MIN
Kelsey Plum: 11 PTS, 0 REB, 3 AST, 14 MIN
Jewell Loyd: 2 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 11 MIN
Sabrina Ionescu: 11 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST, 19 MIN
Kahleah Copper: 4 PTS, 2 REB, 0 AST, 6 MIN
Jackie Young: 7 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 13 MIN
Brittney Griner: 11 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 16 MIN
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