In a sizzling start to the women’s basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA handed Japan a blowout loss, served with a side of irony and extra motivation courtesy of a cheeky Japanese fan. The American squad, unfazed by the absence of college basketball sensation Caitlin Clark, showed up big time in their first game, winning 102-76 and proving that they can, indeed, dominate without her.
The Taunt that Lit the Fire
Before the game even tipped off, a Japanese fan held up a sign that boldly declared, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” Talk about poking the bear! A’ja Wilson noticed the sign, pointed it out to her teammates, and the collective response from Team USA was a mix of amusement and determination. Alyssa Thomas had a chuckle, but Wilson and Brittney Griner appeared to take the challenge personally.
Game Highlights
Wilson led the charge with an impressive 24 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Meanwhile, reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart added 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. Japan, which had hoped to avenge their loss from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal game, was no match for the towering and talented American lineup.
Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum each chipped in with 11 points, and every player who saw the court contributed to the scoreboard. By the second quarter, Team USA started pulling away, leaving Japan in the dust and the fans (all 13,040 of them) with little doubt about who the superior team was.
Attendance Woes
Despite the star-studded lineup and thrilling performance, the game saw a below-average turnout, with 13,040 spectators filling the seats at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France. This number pales in comparison to the 27,021 who attended the opening game between China and Spain on Sunday. Perhaps the selection committee should have reconsidered leaving Caitlin Clark at home; her star power might have filled those empty seats.
What’s Next for Team USA?
Team USA is set to face Belgium on Thursday and Germany on Sunday to wrap up the group stage. Although both are formidable teams, the talent disparity remains significant. Fans and critics alike will be keeping an eye on the attendance figures, perhaps hoping to needle the selection committee further for their Caitlin Clark snub. The absence of one of basketball’s brightest stars might not cost Team USA a gold medal, but it certainly cost them some butts in the seats.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Team USA’s dominance on the court speaks volumes. While Caitlin Clark’s absence was noted, it’s clear that this squad doesn’t need a single star to shine. The fan’s taunt might have sparked a fire, but it was Team USA that brought the heat, roasting Japan with a performance that left no room for doubt. As the tournament progresses, the question remains: Will Caitlin Clark’s absence be a rallying cry or just a missed marketing opportunity?
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds, and perhaps next time, think twice before waving a taunting sign at a team of this caliber.
