U.S. handles Japan in its Olympic women's basketball opener - ESPN

LILLE, France — The United States women's basketball team is likely to get stronger as the Olympics wear on, as it builds chemistry and gets reps playing together. But, in the meantime, it sure is a luxury to have superior size.

The Americans leaned into that advantage in their Olympic opener, bruising the smaller Japan team in a 102-76 victory in a rematch of the 2021 gold medal game in Tokyo. They are now 56-0 in the Olympics since 1992 as they take the first step toward winning their eighth consecutive gold.

Japan's tallest player stands 6-foot-1, and Team USA has six players that height or taller. That differential was the defining aspect of the game.

Team USA racked up 64 points in the paint, repeatedly getting into positions for entry passes or offensive rebounds that punished the smaller opponent.

A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart took turns going to work in the interior. Wilson was relentless in looking for her shot and chasing loose balls, making 10 of 16 shots for 24 points and adding 13 rebounds, six of them coming on the offensive end. She also had four blocks.

«I had to play in my strength,» Wilson said. «And I think in these types of games, you have to hit first early because we always say the most physical team normally gets the win.

»So we had to come out and establish ourselves at an all-time high just on the stage that we're on. I think we had a good showing at that."

Stewart was able to generate easy looks by running the floor and getting free in transition by just outrunning the Japanese defenders, one of her trademarks. She made 11 of 15 shots for 22 points plus eight rebounds. She also had two blocks.

«It's amazing to play with A'ja,» Stewart said. «Her and I are just continuing to create this