The USA Women’s basketball team is looking unstoppable in their quest for eight consecutive gold. As USA sports phenoms sat courtside, Breanna Stewart and her formidable crew defeated Nigeria with an 88-74 win to extend their unbeaten record. The reason of this, Charles Barkley believes is common to both men’s and women’s team, helping them stand out from the rest.

Talking to Maria Taylor on Late Night in Paris, Barkley pointed out that there was a notable drop-off in skill among the Olympic opponents when they had to rely on their bench players. On the other hand, both the US men’s and women’s teams were strong throughout the games. That’s because of the depth the two teams carry, courtesy of the leagues, Chuck offers. 

“The one advantage the United States always has, is these foreign countries, they can put five WNBA players out there or five NBA players out there, but when they go to their bench, there’s such an amazing drop-off. That’s why we’re always, I think, in my opinion, going to have the best teams,” the Philadelphia 76ers legend said.

He emphasizes that the rosters being completely built with WNBA and NBA players, unlike other teams, gives them a huge advantage in depth.

8 of the 12 teams in the Olympics had WNBA players. But most any team, apart from USA had, was 6 – Australia. The team won two games in group stage, losing one against Nigeria. But did manage to proceed to the semi-finals after defeating Serbia. USA, their next opponents, with whole 12 from WNBA, have ensured to put the advantage to use.

Playing against Nigeria, the starting lineup included Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. If the starting lineup featuring the star players was the hope, players coming off the bench kept that hope alive. Thirty-three-year-old Brittney Griner, scored 11 points on 80% shooting, and Diana Taurasi ensured that the team stayed on track.

“Our bench, I mean, we try to come in and give energy. We’re able to sit there and see what’s going on… I don’t think there’s a sour face on that bench anywhere. We all know our number is going to be called at any moment. You know, each game is different, and the goal is gold,” Griner explained. This will be Taurasi’s chance to secure a sixth straight gold medal.

Aja Wilson was the star of the game against Nigeria

Starting with Katie Ledekcy, Lakers star LeBron James and his wife Savannah, Bam Adebayo, and Devin Booker were all present to witness the Women’s team dominate against tough competitors, Nigeria. A’ja Wilson, scored 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting to not only lead the team but the whole whole tournament, Men’s or Women’s, in 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. 

But it was a whole team effort. Young followed right behind with 15 points while Breanna Stewart put up 13 and Griner scored 11 to wrap up. US Women’s basketball has remained undefeated since 1992, when they won the bronze medal. Next, as they face Australia in the semifinals, a win would mark the women’s team’s 60th consecutive victory.

The two teams have locked horns 6 of the last 7 Olympic Knockouts. Each time, the USA has emerged triumphant. Look out for the depth as they clash again on Friday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.