After Scoring Just 10 Points in Two Games, Jewell Loyd Details Her “Different” Role at the Olympics for Team USA

Team USA’s 30-year unbeatable streak continues. Yes, they did have to survive a ‘hard moment’ against the reigning European champions Belgium on Thursday afternoon. But, that doesn’t change the fact that they are 57-0 at the Olympics. And, “The next chapter in The Greatest Dynasty Ever,” has played its role until now to make sure that the dominance at the event is intact. Speaking of roles, it appears to be quite different for everyone in comparison to what they do for their respective franchises. Providing further insights in this regard was the team’s second-time Olympian Jewell Loyd.

Being among the few basketball players like Draymond Green, Vince Carter, Trae Young, CJ McCollum, and more, releasing a video diary with Andscape, the 30-year-old opened up about national duties at the 2024 edition of the Olympics. “It’s a mindset of you’re here and your role is different,” she said. “Every time you’re on the court, the things you do help the team win, and that’s what I’m about, winning”. 

In both the group stage games, Jewell Loyd has to come off the bench to contribute. In the opener against Japan, the 2× WNBA champion spent a total of 11:08 minutes on the hardwood. This resulted in her securing just 2 points to go along with 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Her time on the court saw an increase in Team USA’s encounter against Belgium. Seemingly, her 17:04 minutes produced 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 3 of 7 from the field and 1 of 4 from deep.

As it turns out, this is unlike what she does with the Seattle Storm. The franchise deems her as a regular starter in the team. This is evident by the fact that she has opened up the proceedings in all her 25 appearances this season. Consequently, by compiling 503 points at 20.1 per contest ranks 4th overall in the league in terms of scoring. Meanwhile, there were other interesting pointers as well made by the 2023 WNBA scoring leader with respect to her Olympics trip.

Jewell Loyd has her eyes set on the bigger prize

The opening ceremony for Team USA was a scintillating experience. But, the nature and duration of the spectacle had the athletes go through some tough conditions. Apparently, they were hungry, cold and drenched for quite a while. But, that doesn’t in any way reduce the significance of the occasion.

Sparing a thought or two related to this fact, Loyd expressed, “It’s just another reminder of regardless of how soggy my shirt is, and my socks are wet and all these things, this is why I’m here and I’m going to compete and play at a high level. Besides all that and the chaos, you’re constantly reminded why you are here”.

Each member holds a certain value in the squad. And perhaps that’s why there is a collective desire to etch their names in the history books. For that, everyone is willing to go through whatever it takes to realize that dream.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And, join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.