The group stage of the 2024 USA Basketball Women’s National Team’s journey is well into its stride, with a mere five out of twelve teams remaining undefeated after two encounters. As the pivotal third game approaches, featuring a clash between the United States and Germany this Sunday, both squads stand unbeaten and face formidable challenges. The USA Basketball Women’s National Team has earned a legendary reputation, having gone 57 consecutive games without a defeat in this premier international tournament—a streak that predates the turn of the century. What truly distinguishes this team’s winning formula and their pursuit of yet another Gold medal? Here are five aspects I find particularly compelling about their performance thus far.
The Dynamic Duo: Wilson and Stewart
A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are exceptional talents, transcending their prowess on the court. However, when adorned with the United States emblem, their synergy seems almost alchemical. The team currently boasts an impressive average of 94.5 points per game, the only nation surpassing 80 points per contest. Wilson and Stewart are pivotal, contributing 47.5 of these points—Wilson averaging 23.5 and Stewart 24 per game.
Despite numerous players showcasing extraordinary performances, Wilson and Stewart undeniably shine as the most impactful. Although the final scores often reflect double-digit victories, the matches have been fiercely contested, particularly Thursday’s encounter with Belgium. The team is still fine-tuning its optimal lineup, striving for cohesion, and addressing the inherent inconsistencies of a squad unaccustomed to coalescing on the court. The stellar duo has been instrumental in propelling the US to a level that other teams have yet to match.
The Art of Transition Play
According to Synergy Sports, no other team rivals the United States in transition play. Nearly 21% of their offensive possessions are executed in transition, accruing 22 points per game. Observing the US excel in this arena is a spectacle in itself. A’ja Wilson has excelled in fast breaks, either outpacing her opponents or sealing off her matchup for effortless points. Breanna Stewart has made significant strides by leveraging early ball screens and drag screens, creating severe mismatches that often result in easy baskets. Stewart alone scores 10 points per game in transition, with Julie Vanloo (Belgium) and Ezinee Kalu (Nigeria) trailing at 6 each. Furthermore, Stewart boasts an astonishing 81.8% shooting accuracy in transition.
Alyssa Thomas’ Energizing Presence
Alyssa Thomas has emerged as a crucial force for the United States. Each player on this team is a standout, and Thomas was a prominent figure in the WNBA MVP conversation last season. Her ability to seamlessly integrate into the team, enhance offensive flow for her teammates, and inject defensive intensity is invaluable. Thomas excels in making swift decisions, executing precise passes, making assertive cuts, setting effective screens, and attacking the boards with vigor—performing the essential yet unconventional tasks that sustain possessions.
In the game against Belgium, the United States initially struggled to contain Julie Vanloo, who was dynamic in pick-and-roll situations and shooting off the dribble. Thomas played a crucial role in transforming defense into offense during the second quarter, aiding in slowing down Vanloo and disrupting Belgium’s interior plays. Her adaptability, relentless energy at the point of attack, and swift offensive bursts were vital in that crucial period. Thomas’ performance, alongside Jewell Loyd’s defensive resurgence, significantly altered the course of the game.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Sharpshooting
The United States has struggled from beyond the arc, with a collective 9 of 34 from deep across two games. Nonetheless, Sabrina Ionescu has been a beacon of accuracy, hitting 4 of those triples and maintaining a commendable 44.4% shooting percentage from long range. Her clutch three-pointer in the closing moments against Belgium widened the point differential, which is a critical factor in group play tiebreakers. Although the US is unlikely to face tiebreakers in this stage, securing a comfortable cushion remains crucial. Consistency from deep will be essential as the tournament progresses, but Ionescu has already proven to be a reliable shooter in the early stages.
Jackie Young’s Defensive Tenacity
Amidst a multitude of lineup experiments and player combinations, Jackie Young has seen limited playtime. This is the reality of a team comprising twelve All-Stars and All-WNBA caliber athletes. However, her performance during the fourth quarter against Belgium has underscored her potential for a more substantial role. Belgium excelled in penetrating the paint and capitalizing on skip passes. Containing Julie Vanloo was a relentless endeavor throughout the game. Despite playing only 9 minutes, Young’s contributions were pivotal, aiding in expanding the US lead to double digits and maintaining it. Her defensive efforts—navigating screens and staying close to Vanloo—provided crucial support, allowing Wilson and Stewart to fortify the defense and thwart drives, ultimately sparking the decisive run that ensured victory.
