Now the real work begins.
Once again, the USA Basketball Women’s National Team (USABWNT) got off to a slow start against the history-making D’Tigress, the women’s national basketball team of Nigeria.
With six turnovers in the first five minutes of the game and two early fouls on Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Team USA looked rather sloppy and unprepared for the aggressive defense of Nigeria. The turnovers extended to fourteen by halftime and three fouls (including a technical foul) on Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury). USABWNT head coach Dawn Staley made a quick adjustment and subbed in A’Ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) off the bench for Griner; Wilson poured in 9 points, Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) added 7 points, and USA eked out a slim 27-23 lead at halftime.