.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Elder WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer given that 2010.Dealt With Cleveland Cavs for 7 years.Author of pair of booksPARIS-- The mix of A'ja Wilson as well as Breanna Stewart has actually shown to become a devasting blend for the Team U.S.A. girls, to the point where there is actually a case cultivating that they could possibly share the Olympics Most Prized Possession Gamer Award.But there's a brand new duo surfacing, though certainly not an unusual one, that is actually confirmed to be a significant increase as the Americans work toward another gold medal.Las Vegas Aces colleagues Kelsey Plum as well as Jackie Youthful have boosted to become difference-makers in France and also participated in essential parts in Group USA's 88-74 success over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It signified the team's 59th successive Olympic success and sets up a semifinal match versus Australia, winners over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Young completed with double-digit factors for the 2nd upright video game, shooting 60% coming from the field in the United States' gain Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve relocated Young right into the beginning lineup instead of professional Diana Taurasi versus Nigeria, a group known for participating in high stress full-court self defense that challenges opposing guards.It was a reward after Young racked up 19 points with 4 steals off the bench in the last pool play video game against Germany. She responded with another superb performance, playing with power at both ends together with another Aces ally, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young scored 15 points and also helped bring the USA outburst early in the game as the Americans left to a little a slow beginning by their standards.Nigeria lagged through just four points midway via the 2nd fourth. That is actually when Reeve headed to Plum, that was the 12th and ultimate player to get in the ready the Americans. Plum promptly changed the activity along with her passing away and also velocity on the annoying point, dispensing three quick assists and also toenailing a 3-pointer. Plum finished with just six factors but her six-minute shift to end up the initial half caused a plus-11 on the scoreboard to push the trigger 19 at one-half. The united state then began the second half on a 15-0 operate and also the worry was actually provided for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson and also Stewart, that came into the game averaging a matching 20.3 points per game, played their brand name of seasoned tormenter ball. Wilson invested 20 factors on 9-of-11 shooting with 11 rebounds as well as two blocks. Stewart possessed 13 factors on 5-of-7 capturing along with 5 rebounds as well as three assists.Brittney Griner came off the seat to score 11 ideas on 4-of-5 capturing. Those three interior scorers blending for 16-of-21 is actually tough to beat.The united state went into the video game averaging 29 aids and also again put on a ball-sharing medical clinic by putting together 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which reduced the lead down to as low as thirteen in the 4th quarter, along with 19 points. The game ended with a little bit of edge when the U.S.'s Kahleah Copper acquired a technological repulsive for throwing the ball at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she racked up in the ultimate seconds.