U.S. Women's Basketball Team Dominates Japan in Olympic Opener

In a commanding performance, the U.S. women's basketball team showcased their strength against Japan, led by the formidable frontcourt duo of Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. The pair combined for 46 points, shooting an impressive 21-of-31 from the field. Supporting their efforts, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu each contributed 11 points, while Chelsea Gray facilitated the offense with 13 assists. From the outset, the U.S. established a clear size advantage, overwhelming Japan on both ends of the court. The statistics highlighted the U.S. dominance, particularly in rebounding, where they secured 56 boards compared to Japan's 27. The U.S. excelled on the offensive glass, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds out of 35 missed shots, surpassing Japan's total defensive rebounds. The trio of Wilson, Griner, and Stewart alone accounted for 30 rebounds, underscoring their control of the game. Despite the U.S. superiority, Japan fought valiantly, with Maki Takada emerging as a standout performer off the bench. She scored 24 points, hitting 10 of her 11 attempts. Japan found some success from beyond the arc, but it was not enough to close the gap, as the U.S. shot a remarkable 66.7% on two-pointers, rendering Japan's +33 advantage in three-point shooting inconsequential. This game served as a reminder of the depth and talent within the U.S. squad, even amidst discussions about roster selections leading up to the Games in Paris.