What's Hot in Paris: Team USA basketball advancing to quarterfinals, women upholding win streak
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ahead of the knockout rounds, Team USA women's and men's basketball are dominating the Paris courts.
In Thursday's game, U.S. women's basketball (2-0) beat Belgium 87-74, securing the Americans a spot in the Paris quarterfinals.
Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson scored 26 points and 23 points respectively, inching the team closer to a record Olympic winning streak.
“You just want to go out there and play your best game,” Wilson said. “And I think we did that. I think on the defensive end, it was a great showing and I love when the crowd goes against us. I feel like that is a beautiful thing about our game is playing in those atmospheres and proving people wrong. Wanting to hush the crowd a little bit. So I’m glad we were able to execute that.”
The women hope to extend the streak in Sunday's game against Germany, who are also 2-0.
On Wednesday, U.S. men's basketball topped South Sudan in a 103-86 win, also earning their spot in the Paris quarterfinals.
Bam Adebayo and Kevin Durant scored 18 points and 14 points, respectively, taking control of the first half of the game.
“We've been calling ourselves the bench mob for a long time now,” Adebayo said. “And it doesn't matter who's in the lineup. We always seem to figure it out.”
“They're a talented team,” U.S. guard Stephen Curry said. “On any given night, they can beat anybody.”
Men's basketball will play Tuesday in the quarterfinals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.