The last time the U.S. and Belgian women’s basketball teams met, in an Olympic qualifier in February, the game came down to the final possession, when Breanna Stewart scored a tap-in goal to give the U.S. an 81-79 victory.
This time, it wasn’t quite as close. While Belgium closed to within five points in the second half, the U.S. responded effectively to every attack, ultimately winning 87-74 in Lille, France.
With the win, the U.S. women’s basketball team has now won 57 consecutive games at the Olympics, an unprecedented record.
Here are some highlights from the U.S. basketball team’s second Olympic victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics:
Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson once again formed a formidable frontcourt.
The last time the U.S. and Belgium met, Stewart scored the winning goal, but struggled otherwise, making just 3 of 9 shots and scoring just eight points.
That wasn’t the case this time. Stewart, a two-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP, made his first six shots of the night and finished with 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting to go with his seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
A’ja Wilson was equally dominant, scoring 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting to go along with 13 rebounds (5 offensive) and 3 steals.
For the second straight game, Olympic opponents were no match for Team USA’s frontcourt, which combines four MVPs and four championships.
“We want to control the scoring in the paint,” Stewart said in a walk-off interview with NBC. “We know we have a size advantage, and we want to get multiple possessions and make sure they only get one.”
Alyssa Thomas came off the bench in the first half and was a key player.
Alyssa Thomas, in her ninth year as a pro and looking to make up for lost time in her first Olympic appearance, had a strong game, finishing with eight points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in 16 minutes of action.
When she was first named to the team, Thomas reflected that it was the program’s commitment to defense that ultimately inspired her to join the team.
“I don’t think the U.S. was suited to my style of play, looking at the type of players that have played there in the past,” Thomas said. I said in JuneI joined the team as soon as I was named to the team. “And I didn’t think it was my turn yet. There are a lot of players who weren’t selected who are better than me at their positions. So I’m 32 years old and I got my first chance. Most of the time, you have to be patient and wait for your chance.”
Thomas was a major factor in the U.S.’ lead in the first half. The score was tied after the first quarter, but Thomas gained momentum on both ends of the court in the second.
“Alyssa Thomas’ impact was felt from the moment she stepped on the court,” said LaChina Robinson, one of the NBC commentators for the game. “Her physical strength, her offensive prowess and the fact that she can do so many different things — her defensive and offensive versatility — is just incredible.”
In the end, Thomas’s strength was one of many factors Belgium had no answer for.
Emma Meesseman reminded the world that she’s the WNBA Finals MVP.
Belgium’s Emma Meesseman was arguably the best basketball player in the Olympics outside of Team USA, and she proved that in this game. Meesseman led Belgium with 24 points on 11-of-19 shooting and was the main reason Belgium was in the game.
Teammate Antonia Delaire added 16 points and made 4-of-7 3-pointers. Mystics rookie Julie VanLuh is the only active player. WNBA The Belgium international added 11 points but shot just 5-of-15 from the field.
Still, it wasn’t enough against the U.S. Seven U.S. players scored at least six points, including Jewel Loyd (8 points), Sabrina Ionescu (6 points), Napheesa Collier (7 points) and Brittney Griner (7 points). The U.S. team continued to show great ball distribution, dishing out 25 assists on 29 field goals, and also outrebounded Belgium, 49-27.
next time
With the win, the United States secured first place in Pool C and a spot in the quarterfinals.
1. United States (2-0)
2. Germany (2-0)
3. Belgium (0-2)
4. Japan (0-2)
With the win, the U.S. improved to 2-0 in the Olympics. They will next face Germany at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The U.S. won an exhibition match between the two teams last week, 84-57. But Germany also secured a spot in the quarterfinals with double-digit wins over Belgium and Japan. Saturday’s match is the final pool game before the single-elimination bracket begins.
