Exhibition Showdown: Team USA vs. Team WNBA – July 20th
July 20, 2024 – The stage was set for an electrifying basketball showdown as Team USA faced off against Team WNBA, featuring some of the brightest talents not selected for the upcoming Olympics. The game showcased a thrilling clash of experienced stars and emerging rookies, offering fans a taste of the high-level basketball they can expect in the coming months.
Game Overview
Team USA, bolstered by seasoned veterans like Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, and Brittney Griner, was up against a dynamic Team WNBA, highlighted by rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While the game was an exhibition, it was no less competitive, serving as a compelling preview for the world to see these top players in action before Team USA heads to Paris.
First Quarter Highlights
Team USA won the tip-off and immediately set the tone with Diana Taurasi opening the scoring with a wide-open three-pointer off a screen. After a few minutes of back-and-forth play with no additional scoring, Juel Lloyd extended Team USA’s lead with another three-pointer, pushing their advantage to six points.
For Team WNBA, veteran All-Star Ugu Mckay got them on the board with a smooth mid-range jumper. Ugu Mckay’s contribution was vital as she traded points with Team USA, keeping the game close. Caitlin Clark struggled initially, but Danana Bonor’s three-pointer helped keep Team WNBA within striking distance. As the first quarter drew to a close, Angel Reese’s putback layup gave Team WNBA a slim lead of 24-23.
Second Quarter Dynamics
The second quarter began with Caitlin Clark making a spectacular pass through Team USA’s defense, leading to an and-one play and her third assist of the night. Clark’s quick outlet pass to Jon Kel Jones resulted in another bucket for Team WNBA. Team USA’s full-court press began to take effect, leading to a crucial steal and a quick score to regain the lead.
As Clark and Reese played together for the first time, the game remained intensely competitive. Clark showcased her exceptional passing skills while Reese demonstrated her prowess on the boards, particularly on the offensive end. Diana Taurasi’s tough and-one play kept Team USA in front, but despite her efforts, Team WNBA kept the game close. By the end of the half, Team USA held a narrow lead of 54-52, with Caitlin Clark adding six assists and Angel Reese making an impact on the boards.
Third Quarter Surge
Team WNBA came out with renewed energy in the third quarter, thanks to a 9-0 run, including a three-pointer from Ogo Bo and a layup from Jon Kel Jones. This offensive burst gave Team WNBA a commanding lead. Despite some resistance from Team USA, including a couple of quick baskets, Team WNBA continued to build their advantage. Ogo Boal was particularly impressive, scoring relentlessly and contributing significantly to the lead.
With Team WNBA in control, Kelsey Mitchell capped the third quarter with a pull-up mid-range buzzer-beater, pushing their lead to 88-79. Ogo Boal finished the quarter with an impressive 21 points, while Caitlin Clark, though struggling to score, continued to facilitate with her passing.
Final Quarter Drama
The final quarter saw Team USA attempting to claw back into the game. Jackie Young kickstarted the scoring with an assist from Sabrina Ionescu, but Ogo Boal quickly answered with a three-pointer, stifling Team USA’s momentum. The game turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to score. Angel Reese’s back-to-back scores, including an assist from Clark, highlighted her dominance.
As the game neared its end, Team USA tried to mount a comeback, but it was too late. Despite a late surge, Team WNBA held on to secure a 117-109 victory. Ogo Boal stole the show with 34 points, while Angel Reese registered a double-double and Caitlin Clark finished with 10 assists, just one shy of the all-time WNBA All-Star game record. On the other side, Brianna Stewart led Team USA with 31 points and A’ja Wilson added 22.
Post-Game Reflections
The MVP of the game was undoubtedly Ogo Boal, who graciously accepted the award and credited her teammates for their support. The game provided a remarkable showcase of WNBA talent and offered a glimpse into the fierce competition ahead. Despite the loss, Team USA demonstrated their potential and provided a thrilling preview of what fans can expect in the Olympics.
This exhibition game was a unique opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their skills and make a statement. With the Olympics just around the corner, both Team USA and Team WNBA showed that they are ready to bring their best to the global stage.
Conclusion
The match was a testament to the incredible talent in women’s basketball and served as an exciting lead-up to the upcoming Olympic Games. Fans around the world witnessed a spectacular display of skill and competitiveness. Team USA’s loss was a hard-fought battle, and Team WNBA’s victory showcased their depth and capability.
Thank you for joining us for this thrilling game summary. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you enjoyed it. We’ll see you in the next one!
