Like the men's team, Team USA's roster is loaded with stars on the women's side, and that density is often the difference between the two teams. On the women's team, too, WNBA stars must be willing to come off the bench to help lead to an eighth straight Olympic title.
This is what has been achieved in particular Jackie Youngwho had a 19-point game off the bench in the 87-68 victory over Germany.
“Our role here is to come in and make defensive stops and impact the game defensively. We know we can all score, so I think just having an impact defensively is important.”, she estimates. “We don't know when our turn will come, but we just have to stay ready.”
The bench ensures
Team USA is thus in search of an eighth consecutive title, the Americans having not lost a single Olympic match since the Barcelona Games in 1992! Thus, each of the stars must accept a new role to maintain this incredible series. Notably the player of the Las Vegas Aces.
“I love the chemistry we have and having that chemistry in a very short period of time. The whole team comes in professional, ready to take on any role,” Jackie Young explained before the competition. “Obviously our roles will be different than on our WNBA team. It's just having that mindset, being able to turn it on and off, doing what it takes, that makes this team great.”
The bench's rise wasn't just Jackie Young. Kelsey Plum also brought plenty of pace to the bench, finishing with six points and five assists to extend the lead.
A'ja Wilson will have played only 24 minutes for this last group match. Enough to have a little rest before the quarter-final against Nigeria, this Wednesday.
“It’s incredible. That’s what makes us legendary. That’s what makes us one of the best teams in the world, we can replace five players and there’s no let-up,” concludes A'ja Wilson.
Photo credit: FIBA
