After Team USA’s 109-117 loss to Team WNBA in the 2024 All-Star game, conversations began about whether the national squad was adequately prepared for the Paris Olympics. Though Team WNBA will likely be Team USA’s most challenging opponent, fans expressed their concerns on social media. Some questioned how they could defeat other countries if they lost to their American peers.
These sentiments are not shared widely amongst actual women’s basketball enthusiasts because many are aware of how poised, proficient, and experienced Team USA actually is. Out of the 12 players, nine are WNBA champions. Seven out of those nine individuals acquired a championship in the past four years, which only furthers their credibility as notable leaders in the league.
Also, each player’s respective WNBA team is in the top six of the league’s current standings. Therefore, it is safe to say that this squad is full of winners.
According to Breanna Stewart, the 2023 WNBA MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist, there are two key factors in Team USA’s necessary improvement: more solid defensive strategies and building undeniable chemistry together.
“It is time to learn, grow, and figure out how we can be our best together,” Stewart said. “We’re going to take this one (loss) on the chin and keep moving forward.”
Despite the defeat, A’ja Wilson, Team USA’s dominant leader, also remains confident in their chances to win it all in Paris. During her All-Star postgame presser, the two-time MVP and back-to-back champion shared her perspective on the loss and how it served as fuel to her teammates.
“We’re not about to press the panic button right now. This is our first test, and I’m glad we got tested. This is something that we needed to do,” Wilson said. “We’re still 12 of the greatest in the world, so we’re going to get the job done.”
They are doing just that so far, particularly after defeating Germany 84-57 last Tuesday in their second and final exhibition game in London. Wilson was the leading scorer with 19 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
They will soon head to Paris to kick off the Olympic games. Their first official matchup is against Japan on July 29.
The USA Women’s Basketball team has not lost a matchup in the Olympics since 1992, and with such a stacked roster, the streak is likely to continue. Let the games begin.
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