David Bridges
The 2024 Paralympics in Paris formally started with the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28, that includes 22 sports activities throughout 23 disciplines, with a complete of 549 occasions over 11 days.
One of many sports activities, wheelchair basketball, has already captivated followers, significantly People, as Workforce USA’s males edged out Spain, 66-56, in a carefully contested Paralympic opener at Bercy Area on Thursday afternoon.
The sport was a rematch of their two earlier encounters this summer season, the place the US emerged victorious by scores of 61-57 and 70-65.
“We’re speaking about the most effective of the most effective proper now,” mentioned Workforce USA’s Trevon Jenifer. “That is the largest event we have now, so we all know we’re going to get a group’s finest shot out right here. We needed to come out and maintain enterprise, and Spain gave us some actually good play for our first recreation.”
“He can rating anyplace, anyhow.” 🫡
Jake Williams coming in clutch for the US.
📺 USA Community & Peacock | #ParisParalympics pic.twitter.com/jxZe0FjnBF
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 29, 2024
The sport remained tight early on as each groups traded baskets, with Spain grabbing its first lead with 5:25 left within the first half, preventing their method to a 32-29 benefit going into the break.
“Spain is an all-world group,” mentioned five-time Paralympian and group captain Steve Serio. “We knew that Spain at all times brings it. They don’t seem to be an opponent you’ll be able to overlook. We positively have numerous room to develop, however we’ll return, take a look at the sport tape, and get higher.”
Workforce USA is first on the board of their first ladies’s wheelchair basketball recreation in Paris! 🇺🇸
📺 USA Community & Peacock | #ParisParalympics pic.twitter.com/T9RYQ8OKTh
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 30, 2024
Workforce USA held a 46-40 lead heading into the fourth quarter earlier than Spain made a late push, slicing the result in only one possession with simply over six minutes remaining. Nonetheless, the People held on, securing the victory.
“Everybody’s excited to get the primary recreation going,” mentioned Jake Williams, who led the best way with 22 factors and 7 assists. “We play Spain quite a bit at these tournaments, so we all know what to anticipate.”
The victory units Workforce USA up properly for the rest of the group stage, as they may face the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
In the meantime, the ladies’s Workforce USA has additionally confirmed to be a drive to be reckoned with, securing a commanding win in opposition to Germany, 73-44.
The ladies’s group may also compete in opposition to the Netherlands on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. ET.
Cameron Steel
