Team USA has been nothing short of dominant, as always. However, while we are following the storyline of bringing back the gold, a handful of things are surely different. For one, while A’ja Wilson remains the leading scorer of the squad, Chelsea Gray’s roles have switched a bit. Returning from her injury may have affected her game. But her leadership remains the same. Hence, it is only fair for the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP to give her flowers to the ‘Point Gawd’ and also her partner in the paint– Breanna Stewart.

A’ja Wilson and Co. renewed their rivalry with Australia by sending them back with a defeat for the ninth time on the Olympic stage. After the sweeping 85-64 win in the semifinal matchup, the leading scorer appreciated Chelsea Gray for her contribution to the team. In the postgame presser, Wilson said, “We gotta give credit to Chelsea as well. She keeps us organized.”

At the same time, the scoring leader of Team USA in the Paris Olympics also did not let Breanna Stewart go empty-handed. Praising the Olympic MVP frontrunner, A’ja Wilson said, “She’s being who she is. She is playing well on both sides of the basketball. Always just keeping everybody in the flow of everything.” She further added, “When it comes to Stewie, she’s just being Stewie, what she does. I’m so appreciative that I can play alongside her.”

While Gray has not been good at shooting this year, she has found her way to add to the team through her assists. Moreover, her previous experience is just as essential in the group which has added quite a few new faces. Here are the stats of these three superstars in focus.

Numbers in focus: A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray

There is no denying that Team USA’s post players are its strength this year. A’ja Wilson has been plunging every opportunity to score this time around. In the very first game against Japan, she had set the tone of her double-digit scoring and rebounding. Then, she had a tournament-high of 24 points and 13 rebounds. She even had four blocks. In total, she has added 91 points to the squad. Additionally, her work in the paint to enhance defense for the USA is only more incredible. She has 48 rebounds, 12 blocks, and 8 steals already in her name.

As for Breanna Stewart, she has 90 points in the last five games. Moreover, she too has been showing her defense with 29 rebounds and 8 blocks. Chelsea Gray is trying for her shots to improve. But upon realizing she is falling short, she has turned towards other aspects.

In the opening game, Gray almost reached the assists-high record of 18 set by Rui Machida. The Japanese player inked the record back in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. To date, she has 27 assists and 6 steals in the Olympics.

Watching the games, it becomes very clear how despite not every member of Team USA adding to the scores directly, are trying their best to aid the squad. From Chelsea Gray to A’ja Wilson, everyone has a role to play in these mind games. Certainly refreshing to see all the best talents from the USA to be on the floor at the same time.

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.