U.S. Women's Basketball Team Dominates Germany in Exhibition Match

A'ja Wilson led the U.S. women's basketball Olympic team to a resurgence after an earlier loss, with 19 points and 14 rebounds, beating Germany 84-57. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart emphasized the team's commitment to improvement. Brittney Griner was absent, resting ahead of the Olympics.

A'ja Wilson had 19 points and 14 rebounds to help the U.S. women's basketball Olympic team rebound from a rare exhibition loss to beat Germany 84-57.

The Americans had previously fallen to a team of WNBA All-Stars before traveling to London for the exhibition match against Germany. Notably, these teams belong to the same pool in the Olympics and will face off again in the Paris Games on August 4.

'It was a breath of fresh air to get out of All-Star and come here; there's one goal and it's to win,' U.S. guard Sabrina Ionescu said.

The U.S. raced to a 22-9 lead, scoring the first seven points. By the end of the first quarter, they maintained a 13-point lead. The Germans, appearing for the first time in the Olympics, narrowed the gap to 27-20 midway through the second quarter but couldn't get closer as the Americans led 44-32 at halftime.

The U.S. started strong in the third quarter, again scoring the first seven points, leaving Germany unable to threaten in the second half.

'We need to ensure our third-quarter starts get better every game,' said U.S. forward Breanna Stewart. 'It's a tune-up game; we don't want to peak too soon.' Luisa Geiselsoder led Germany with 13 points.

The Americans played without Brittney Griner, who rested. The Olympian returned after her high-profile imprisonment in Russia, highlighting her significance to the team. Members of the U.S. men's Olympic team were also present courtside to support the game, having narrowly beaten Germany 92-88 in their exhibition match.

(With inputs from agencies.)