Unlike LeBron James and company, who snatched their place in the final in the fourth quarter against Serbia, A'ja Wilson and her teammates did not tremble during the knockout matches.
Facing Nigeria and then Australia, the Americans strolled for two very easy victories.
“We know what the standard is for American basketball.”, explains Jackie Youngwho replaced Diana Taurasi in the starting five. “We just want to continue on this path.”
The norm is obviously to win, since Team USA is heading straight for an eighth consecutive Olympic title among women, the United States team having not lost at the Olympics since 1992…
155 assists on 173 baskets!
But Cheryl Reeve's players are especially proud to continue this series of victories collectively.
“I think we move the ball really, really well.” explains A'ja Wilson. “I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team that moves the ball like that. You’re always looking to go from a good shot to a great shot. You always encourage it, but it doesn’t necessarily hold up on some teams. On this one, you’re always looking for the best shot on the court, and I don’t think I’ve ever been on a team that can do that at this level.”
In figures, the Americans recorded 155 assists on 173 baskets scored during their first five games. A mind-boggling rate… perhaps helped by the generosity of FIBA statisticians.
But it is still certain that the American players have this desire to seek the best possible shot.
“It may seem easy, but nothing is easy” promises Cheryl Reeve ahead of the grand final against France. “I'm very proud of what we've done, of the evolution of our team. And I'm impatient to live this last round, in the campaign, to see if we can win another gold medal.”
Photo credit: FIBA
