Basketball - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 12 - Source: Getty
Team USA faced Australia in the first women's basketball semifinal in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday.
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The United States came out of the gates strong on both ends of the floor. A'ja Wilson anchored the defense with a pair of early blocks, and Jackie Young led the charge on the offensive end.
Australia struggled offensively against the physical United States defense, and trailed by close to double-digits in the first six minutes.
Despite their slow start, Australia finished the first quarter strong and cut its deficit to four. In the second quarter, Team USA started to find its range from deep. Makes from Jewell Loyd and Sabrina Ionescu helped extend the United States' lead to 14.
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Australia's offensive struggles continued, allowing the United States to take full control. They were outscored 25-11 in the quarter and found themselves down 18 heading into halftime.
A'ja Wilson's impact on offense was minimal in the first half, but she turned things around at the start of the third quarter. A pair of made baskets got her into double figures and helped balloon Team USA's lead to 22.
Breanna Stewart started out the game 2-for-5, but the halftime break seemed to do wonders for her. She improved to 50% shooting in the game (6-for-12) and led the United States in scoring with 16 points.
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Heading into the final quarter, Australia trailed 66-40.
The United States pulled its starters in the fourth quarter, but maintained control of the game. Kahleah Cooper led the offense for her group, scoring 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting.
The USA women's team coasted the rest of the way to register another dominant win. Led by a balanced scoring attack (four players in double figures), they beat Australia 85-64 to advance to the gold medal game.
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Team USA vs Australia player stats and box score for August 9th
Team USA player stats and box score
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
FG
3FG
FT
Jewell Loyd
3
2
2
0
0
1-3
1-1
0-0
Kelsey Plum
2
0
0
0
0
0-2
0-1
2-2
Sabrina Ionescu
8
0
1
0
0
3-6
2-5
0-0
Kahleah Cooper
11
6
3
0
0
4-9
1-2
0-0
Chelsea Gray
5
3
5
3
0
2-4
1-1
0-0
A'ja Wilson
10
8
1
2
4
5-7
0-0
0-0
Breanna Stewart
16
6
5
1
0
6-12
1-2
3-3
Napheesa Collier
8
5
3
2
1
4-8
0-1
0-0
Diana Taurasi
0
1
0
0
0
0-2
0-2
0-0
Jackie Young
14
2
5
2
0
6-8
0-0
2-2
Alyssa Thomas
3
6
4
0
0
1-2
0-0
1-1
Brittney Griner
5
4
1
0
0
2-5
0-0
1-2
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Australia player stats and box score
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
FG
3FG
FT
Jade Melbourne
7
1
2
2
0
3-10
1-5
0-0
Kristy Wallace
4
2
3
1
1
1-8
0-2
2-2
Steph Talbot
2
3
0
0
0
1-2
0-0
0-0
Tess Madgen
10
1
2
0
0
4-9
2-5
0-0
Alanna Smith
7
7
1
0
0
3-4
1-2
0-0
Ezi Magbegor
2
5
0
1
2
1-6
0-0
0-0
Marianna Tolo
10
1
1
0
0
3-3
0-0
4-4
Cayla George
3
4
3
1
1
1-5
1-5
0-0
Amy Atwell
3
1
0
0
0
1-2
1-2
0-0
Isobel Borlase
11
1
1
0
0
5-9
0-1
1-2
Lauren Jackson
0
1
0
1
0
0-2
0-0
0-0
Sami Whitcomb
5
2
3
0
0
2-9
1-7
0-0
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About the author
Kevin McCormick
Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer at Sportskeeda with over four years of experience in journalism and a bachelor's degree in Sports Management Marketing from Holy Family University.
Kevin has worked with various notable outlets throughout his career, including 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, Heavy Sports, and Sports Illustrated/FanNation, before joining Sportskeeda in March 2022.
Specializing in NBA and WNBA coverage, Kevin's passion for basketball stems from his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Among his favorite players are Kevin Durant, Chet Holmgren, and Steph Curry, while his all-time favorites include Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Kevin holds Coach K in high regard for the large input he's had on the game helping mold players across multiple generations. Kevin believes the iconic rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson helped elevate the league to its current status.
Through his writing, Kevin provides in-depth analysis and insights into player and coach quotes. He prioritizes sourcing information from credible and reliable outlets.
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