Team USA bounces back from rough outing by dominating Czechia

After a nail-biting win over Italy, Team USA responded convincingly in its final group stage game a day later, defeating Czechia 105-64. The victory on Monday in Berlin clinched first place in Group D for the Americans, allowing them to bypass the qualification for the quarterfinals. They await the winner of Hungary versus Japan in the final eight on Thursday.

Team USA’s offense was much cleaner than it was in a 55-52 win against Italy. The four-time defending World Cup champs exceeded their total score from Sunday with 57 halftime points against Czechia, and they finished the game shooting 52 percent from the field. Against the Czech defense that suffocated the paint and sprinkled in occasional zone defense, the 3-ball opened things for the Americans. Breanna Stewart hit their first triple within the first minute, and Team USA had seven on the day.

Stewart set the tone in many ways in the first quarter. She rebounded from a rough shooting in the second group stage contest by hitting 8 of 11 field goals and scoring 19 points. She also posted six assists with zero turnovers and spearheaded the Americans’ transition offense with her rim-running.

Rhyne Howard’s defense was critical to Team USA creating separation early. The WNBA’s steals leader had five takeaways, allowing the Americans to get out in the open floor. Howard’s major international experience has come in 3×3, but she has been a more natural fit in five-on-five, acting as a combo forward with some needed size and spacing.

Czechia never truly threatened after halftime, enabling coach Kara Lawson to play reserves for most of the final 20 minutes. Every member of Team USA scored while playeing at least 10 minutes.

This story will be updated.