The Team USA women have been so dominant in the Olympics over the past 30 years that even playing a close game causes a reaction.
Belgium put a rare scare into the Americans Thursday, pulling to within four points in the second half before Team USA established control en route to an 87-74 victory.
It was the team’s 57th consecutive Olympic win and will assure them a spot in next week’s quarterfinals. But this one will be a little more memorable than others and offered a lesson that Team USA will need to tighten its form to assure an eighth straight gold.
A’ja Wilson’s interior dominance is the backbone of the U.S. halfcourt strategy and they repeatedly fed her for relief baskets as the Americans struggled with their offensive execution.
Wilson finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, her second double-double in as many games, but did have six turnovers plus three steals.
Breanna Stewart played her trademark game, running the floor to create a string of transition opportunities. She…
