Earlier than the Paris Olympics started, Group C within the ladies’s 5×5 basketball competitors didn’t appear very compelling, however that’s why we play the video games. We’ve had some surprisingly aggressive video games, and some international locations have been spectacular.
Nonetheless, the extra issues change, the extra they continue to be the identical.
Belgium pushed Workforce USA, staying within the recreation for many of the contest earlier than the Individuals ended issues within the fourth and gained 87-74. Germany continues outperforming its FIBA rating, beating Japan 75-64 and remaining undefeated in Paris. Workforce USA and Germany have now formally clinched spots within the quarterfinals, coming into the ultimate video games of the group stage.
Workforce USA, human in any case?
Sure, they’ve gained 57 video games in a row and haven’t misplaced an Olympic recreation since 1992. Nevertheless, two video games in, Workforce USA has appeared… human? They’re nonetheless the favorites to win the gold and nonetheless dominant, however they’re now not an infinitely tall mountain nobody can climb.
Belgium, which shares a border with France, had what appeared like a house crowd in Paris. The power was palpable and expanded past the stadium to my Southern California house. A crowd can assist, however it could possibly solely take you up to now. It’s a must to play effectively for the group to matter, and Belgium held up their finish of the discount. Emma Meesseman, a former WNBA Finals MVP who followers are effectively conscious of, placed on a present, scoring 24 factors on 11-for-19 taking pictures. Halfway by means of the second half, Workforce USA was main, nevertheless it was nonetheless a two-possession recreation.
Whereas the purple, white and blue didn’t look invincible, they had been nonetheless unbeatable. Breanna Stewart was electrical with 26 factors, and A’ja Wilson had a double-double with 23 factors and 13 rebounds. With Workforce USA up by double digits in waning seconds, Sabrina Ionescu, reminded by the American sideline of the potential significance of level differential, put an exclamation level on the win by nailing a 3-pointer and actually telling the group to be quiet. The second appeared eerily much like when Kobe Bryant made the identical gesture on the 2008 Olympics in London.
Satou Sabally is nice at basketball
She has missed all the WNBA season because of damage, however Satou Sabally is again and taking part in for Germany on the Olympics. She’s even higher than you keep in mind and the Germans are counting on her to take them so far as she will be able to. To this point, that’s resulted in two wins and a 33-point efficiency on Thursday.
Japan had no reply for Sabally, however then once more, nobody actually does. Seeing how far the Germans will go on this match shall be fascinating, as they might upset fairly a number of groups if Sabally retains this present type up.
What to observe on Sunday
Germany will face the last word take a look at versus Workforce USA at 11:15 a.m. ET (USA Community) on Sunday. Sabally could be very accustomed to the Individuals, and although they haven’t appeared like juggernauts, they’ve a roster you don’t need to see absolutely engaged. Will probably be fascinating to see how aggressive a recreation Germany could make this one.
The 2 winless groups, Japan and Belgium, are nonetheless in competition. Nevertheless, somebody must win by a big margin to leap up and land a top-eight spot. I doubt it occurs, but when it does, my cash is on Belgium being the nation that will get it carried out. Japan and Belgium will play one another at 5 a.m. ET (Peacock) on Sunday.
Sport info
Japan vs. Belgium
When: Sunday, August 4 at 5:00 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
The best way to watch: Peacock
USA vs. Germany
When: Sunday, August 4 at 11:15 a.m. ET
The place: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
The best way to watch: USA Community
