3 things Australia could do to upset Team USA in Paris Olympics Women's Basketball semifinals

In what promises to be a humdinger, Australia women take on Team USA in the basketball semifinal of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday, Aug. 9. Both sides have been impressive beating Serbia and Nigeria en route to the semis. Team USA comes in as favorites as they look to go for their eighth straight gold medal — a streak that's unbeaten since the '96 Olympics.

Australia comes off a dominant 85-67 win over Serbia. Jade Melbourne orchestrated the win for the Opals with 18 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Forward Alanna Smith was a force in the paint to finish with a 22-point double-double, including 13 rebounds. Cayla George exploded for 18 points off the bench, while Sami Whitcomb recorded 15 points. The all-around effort now pits them against a team that's been on a tear in this marquee tournament.

On that note, here are three things Australian women can do to beat the US in the semifinals.

---

3 things Australia could do to upset Team USA in Paris Olympics Women's Basketball semifinals

#1 Defensive rebounding

USA comprises a potent offense spearheaded by Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jackie Young. The Opals will need to play solid lockdown defense to keep the likes of Stewart and Wilson quiet. Their defensive rebounding was a key factor in winning the game vs Serbia as they beat them 34-23. This could prove to be vital if they could convert the rebounds into scoring opportunities at the other end.

---

#2 Take advantage of Team USA's fluctuating 3-point shooting

Team USA has been erratic from beyond the arc, and that is one area the Opals could get the better of the defending gold medalists. The lack of 3-point attempts from the team is a bother. Per ESPN, only Serbia (16.7) has averaged fewer tries from deep than 18.3 per game by the USA. If Australia can shoot lights out from downtown, they can just about turn the tide.

---

#3 Bench impact

USA has the likes of Diana Taurasi and Kelsey Plum coming off the bench, and that speaks volumes about the team's depth and the danger that comes with it. Australia's bench will have to do better on both ends of the floor to stand a chance of getting past Team USA. Barring George, the rest of the bench had zero contributors. Rectifying this aspect can help them make a difference in the outcome.