After a sluggish start to the Team USA women’s national team’s final game in group play against Germany, head coach Cheryl Reeves made a near-mass substitution as Sabrina Ionescu , Jewell Loyd , Alyssa Thomas , and Brittney Griner all checked in near the end of the opening quarter. That line change was a microcosm of both the ability and the luxury that she and all of Team USA have. They ultimately handed Germany their first loss of the games with an 87-68 final.
With an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, they went from trailing by near double digits at the halfway point of the first quarter to cutting their lead to three going into the second where they ultimately caught fire and outscored their opponent 25-10. Young and Her Impact Versus Germany A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were their usual dominant selves. Both combined for 27 points on 55 percent shooting from the floor.
However, it was reserve guard Jackie Young who provided the hot hand on Sunday. She led Team USA with 19 points, four rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Young converted on 5 of 8 from three-point range.
Additionally, her ability to open up the floor offensively provided more matchup woes for Germany. The team was already undermanned in the post and continued to feel the USA’s effects throughout. They faced matchup problems when any two of the three, Stewart, Griner, and Wilson, shared the floor.
Group C finale? Aced it. The Vegas quartet combined for 39 pts vs Germany. #USABWNT x #.