The United States overcame a slow start to top a stubborn Nigeria 81-72 on Tuesday, beginning their quest for a seventh straight gold medal in Olympic women’s basketball.
The U.S. women found themselves in uncomfortable territory at the Saitama Super Arena as the Nigerians led 20-17 after the first quarter, pressuring the Americans into committing eight turnovers.
The U.S. women regained their footing and took the lead halfway through the second quarter on a Diana Taurasi three-pointer that was part of a 23-0 run en route to a 44-32 U.S. advantage at halftime.
Refusing to go away, Nigeria cut the deficit, which was as much as 22, to eight points with just over three minutes left to play, before the U.S. again steadied the ship with two quick baskets after a time-out.
A’ja Wilson, the WNBA’s most valuable player in 2020, led the United States with 19 points. Brittney Griner chipped in 13 and Taurasi, competing in her fifth Olympics, added 10 points.
Veteran U.S. captain Sue Bird gave credit to Nigeria for the defensive pressure they brought but took heart in the way her team was able to adjust.
“They like to make the game chaotic, they like to make you do things that you’re not used to doing, play a way you don’t want to play. It’s never going to be pretty against them,” she said. Nigeria had four scorers in double digits led by Ezinne Kalu with 16 points. Their captain Adaora Elonu took away positives despite coming up short.
“It’s a mix of disappointment but also encouragement for us because we wanted some rhythm and we got that toward the end. So if we can carry that on for the next game it will be good,” she said.
