Team USA won its 59th consecutive game in the Olympics on Wednesday. They beat one team that they apparently walked on eggshells for. Still, the late run by Nigeria, which bested A’ja Wilson’s squad with a 26-12 run in the final ten minutes remains the sore point for many. One of them is the 3x Olympic gold medalist and basketball Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes. The WNBA legend, who was a part of the previous popular squad of 1996, could not help but cheer for her team as she compared them to the current Team USA.

Star-studded may be one of the terms that can aptly describe Team USA led by A’ja Wilson. However, long before this one, the team that brought back gold to the country for good was also not shy of this boasting right either. Another claim that they had was winning eight games with a margin of 26.3 points on average. Hence, when a great team like the USA loses its grip on a 28-point lead, Sheryl Swoopes definitely had a word or two to say.

Sitting with Gilbert Arenas and Lexie Brown in Gil’s Arena podcast, Swoopes said, “I don’t know if I would say that they cruised to a victory over Nigeria. They only ended up winning by 14. When someone asked the question the other day like the 96 team and this team. We would beat them by more than 14 points. So, if you get a lead like that, you gotta keep the lead. Don’t give them any confidence like ‘Oh we can play with this team’ because you really can’t.”

Nigeria came into the quarterfinal game with the confidence of being the only African team to make it to the knockout rounds of the Olympics. While they started the game just fine, they quickly lost control to USA’s overpowering dominance. A’ja Wilson led the game in scoring with 20 points. With her 11 rebounds, she grabbed her fourth 20+ points and 10+ rebound game. While Team USA may have lost the focus in the game against Nigeria, they have another chance at making things right.

Sheryl Swoopes is excited for the semifinal clash of A’ja Wilson and Co.

There would be no one who would not want to see a good battle of rivals. Especially, the one like the USA vs Australia which has been going on for decades now. Hence, the 4x WNBA champion also could not help but show her excitement for the upcoming semifinal game. However, business is business. She told Gilbert Arenas, “We need to take care of business against Australia, which I think will be a good game.”

She also mentioned how she was scared that the Nigerians, with their aggressive defense, could restrict the US. Something similar can happen with the Opals. One of the skills they show off more than any is their defense. They have the SBL All-Defensive awardee Sami Whitcomb leading the group. Along with her is the 6-ft-4 center Ezi Magbegor, standing tall against A’ja Wilson. She is a 2x WNBA All-Defensive Second Team member.

Despite losing a game to Nigeria in the group stage, the Opals have successfully contained their opponents under 69 points on average. On the other hand, they have scored 74 points. While not a huge difference, their quarterfinal win over Serbia, where they scored 85 points and kept the opponents at 67, proves their potential. Especially in the knockout rounds.

Moreover, another interesting point is that of every other country, the Australians can match the USA’s length. Meaning, that a lot of plays will be created with the post players in mind. Since Team USA is highly dependent on its players in the paint, they have more to worry about. But what the spectators can put their money on is a great rivalry-driven game with a long, long history.

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.