Team USA Starts Paralympics Campaign with Wheelchair Basketball Win
Salekin
Editor & Writer
Stormy start to Paralympics: Team USA opens with win over Spain
Great rivalry, Americans have the last laugh
Paralympic heat has spread in Paris. The United States men’s team began its campaign with a win over Spain in the opening game of wheelchair basketball Thursday afternoon at Barça Arena. The U.S. won 61-57 and 70-65 in the two meetings earlier this summer. This time too they won by 66-56 continuing the trend. But there was great competition throughout the match.
Tech News
First Half: A close fight
From the beginning of the match, both the teams got into a fight. The first four baskets are shared by the two teams. Then Jack Williams hit two consecutive three-pointers to give the Americans a 10-6 lead.
Spain responded with a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to a single point. They almost took the lead, but the first quarter ended with the Americans narrowly leading 18-17. Williams played great with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in the first quarter.
Second Quarter: The streak continues
The second quarter also starts like the first quarter. Trayvon Jennifer started with two points, but Spain immediately took those points back. They even took the lead for the first time with 5:25 left in the quarter. However, Bell immediately hit a shot off the backboard to put the Americans back up 24-23.
Although that was Spain’s only lead, the United States could not increase its lead by more than two positions. The score before the break was 32-29, a slight American lead.
Third quarter: The Americans went ahead
Serio’s and-one play at 7:36 of the third quarter put the Americans up 36-29. Spain continued to fight, but the Americans maintained a comfortable margin. Jennifer’s fast break score extended the lead to 8 points with 3:01 left in the quarter.
Fourth quarter: Last-minute fight
The fourth quarter began with the Americans leading 46-40. Spain made a last-gasp effort and reduced the gap to just one position with six minutes remaining in the match. However, the Americans eventually held their own and pulled out a 66-56 victory.
Great craft by Jack Williams
Zach Williams led the team with 22 points and seven assists.
However, he emphasized that this was merely the first step “Everyone is very excited to play the first match,” Williams said. “We play Spain a lot in these tournaments, so we know what to expect.”
The rest of the group-stage matches
The win puts Team USA in a good position for the rest of the group-stage matches. Their next match is against the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. (ET).
Future prospects
This victory of Team USA made their fans hopeful. They hope that Team USA will continue this streak and win gold at the Paralympics. But now is not the time to cheer. There are many more challenging matches ahead.
All Image Credit Getty Images
Conclusion
Team USA is off to a great start at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Their win will be a source of inspiration for the entire team. Hopefully, they can maintain this rhythm and give their best in the Paralympics.
Do Not Forget To Share This Post
Recent News
