The reserves turned things around for Team USA today, giving them the juice to finally extend the lead in the third quarter and finish the job. Maya Moore lead the US with 18 points, and Lindsay Whalen added 13.
I’m concerned that Team USA hasn’t dominated their first two opponents, as it took them a while Monday night to mount a lead on Brazil. Anytime a team is slow to start, that is a red flag – especially considering how hungry some of the members of the US team have said they are.
I was never sold on the composition of Team USA in the first place. I would have put Cappie Pondexter and Nnemkadi Ogwumike on the squad instead of Swin Cash and Ashja Jones, both for their significantly better statistics and younger legs. I’m sure there are politics involved, as there always are. But USA Basketball should be able to put those aside for the Olympic Games.
And as if these women aren’t disrespected enough playing for the WNBA, ESPN commentator Mark Jones today kept making errors referring to players during the game cast. He mixed up Tamika Catchings, Tina Charles and Sylvia Fowles, as well as Candace Parker and Maya Moore. That is completely unacceptable, especially considering all the good, knowledgeable commentators that could have taken his place.
Finally, when, how and why was UConn assistant Chris Dailey suddenly added to the Olympic staff? There already were three assistant coaches. Why four?
I wish I was feeling more excited about this Olympic basketball competition so far, but I’m not.