USA Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team Sets the Court Ablaze in Pan American Games Opener as WNBA Star Makes Crushing Debut

The much-loved sport of basketball saw the introduction of a new format in the 2019 Pan American Games. The USA 3×3 basketball team, featuring Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Sabrina Ionescu, Christyn Williams, and Ruthy Hebard, won the inaugural Gold medal in the format. With the present destination lying further to the South, the USA team has some big shoes to fill.

The team chosen for the current edition comprises captain Cierra Burdick, Lexie Hull, Blake Dietrick, and Azura Stevens. Stevens, 27, was to make her debut in the format against their Dominican counterparts in Santiago, Chile. She put in a noteworthy performance without letting the occasion faze her. The 2021 WNBA champion, who currently plays for the “Magic” Johnson co-owned Los Angeles Sparks, put in a star turn.

The debutant steals the show versus the Dominican Republic

Against the Dominican Republic, the USA team prevailed 22-11, with 6:53 on the clock. Azura Stevens was the most influential player on the court for the Americans. She scored 10 of her team’s 22 points. That tally included seven 1-point, and one 2-point, field goals, in addition to one converted free throw. The USA Basketball 3×3 account on X, formerly Twitter, shared an image of the team with the final score also displayed. Adjoining that were the words, “The [American flag] Women dominate to win their #Santiago2023 opener!”

Azura Stevens’s performance also included a good number of key assists and defensive rebounds. Stevens will look to at least replicate that display in the upcoming game against Mexico. She recorded the least minutes of all the American players on the court with 4:16. Despite her professional career being relatively short, her blend of experience and youth could prove crucial to the USA team’s fortunes.

Azura Stevens’ record as a collegiate and professional basketball player

After being drafted in the first round as the sixth pick by the Dallas Wings, Azura Stevens spent two seasons in Arlington, Texas. Then, she spent three seasons with the Chicago Sky, winning the 2021 WNBA Championship during her second. Now, she is fresh off her first season as part of “Magic” Johnson’s franchise, which is estimated to be worth $223 million. The Sparks finished outside the playoff positions. Stevens was one of five to average over 10 points a game for them.

Read More – Ahead of Much Anticipated 2023 Pan American Games, USA Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team Commences Intense Training Journey in Atlanta

Going further back, Azura Stevens played college basketball at both Duke University and the University of Connecticut. She stands 6’6″ tall while known for both her lateral mobility and fluidity as a forward. According to the WNBA’s official website, her defensive versatility is through the roof.

Mexico lies in wait for the USA next. It remains to be seen if Santiago will witness the repetition of history that was made in Lima. Azura Stevens will look to have a prominent say in that quest for gold.

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