Is A'ja Wilson playing today against Japan? Latest on Team USA center's status | 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball (July 29)
A'ja Wilson is one of the most important players in Team USA's star-studded roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Las Vegas Aces' superstar is competing in her second Olympic Games after winning the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 27-year-old Wilson is likely to play in Team USA's opening game against Japan on Monday.
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal game against Japan, Wilson scored 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. She also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out five assists and recorded five block shots.
The two-time WNBA MVP has elevated her game to another level this season. Wilson has stamped her authority as the best women's basketball player with majestic performances during the first half of the 2024 WNBA season.
The two-time WNBA champion has dominated proceedings on both ends of the floor. Wilson arrived in Paris after leading the WNBA in points, rebounds and blocks. In 24 games, the one-time WNBA Finals MVP shattered numerous records and scripted new milestones, dazzling her way to the summit.
A'ja Wilson's ability to score on all three levels and defend multiple positions is what makes her an elite player. Wilson averages 27.2 points, 12 rebound, 2.9 blocks and 1.9 steals per game this season. The Aces' superstar is shooting 52.2% from the field, including 39.5% from the 3-point range.
Looking at how Wilson has performed and the consistency with which she has produced goods for her team, the 27-year-old is likely to dominate in the Olympics. Team USA and its fans would hope Wilson continues to excel just as she has throughout this season.
A'ja Wilson with Team USA
Team USA competed in two games with the current roster before arriving in Paris. A'ja Wilson was part of the starting lineup in both games. In the 2024 WNBA All-Star game against Team WNBA in Phoenix, Wilson scored 22 points in 28:35 minutes and shot 8-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point range.
She also grabbed six rebounds, dished out three assists, recorded three steals and a blocked shot. Despite Wilson's best efforts, Team USA lost the game 109-116.
In their international friendly game against Germany in London, Team USA registered a dominant 84-57 win at the O2 Arena. Wilson came up huge once again, scoring 19 points on 53.8% shooting from the floor. The 27-year-old also grabbed 14 rebounds in 25 minutes.
Talking about A'ja Wilson's performance during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Aces' superstar was one of the best players of the competition. She averaged 16.5 points in 23.4 minutes on an excellent 59.4% shooting from the field. She also averaged 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks.