.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Elder WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer considering that 2010.Dealt With Cleveland Cavs for 7 years.Writer of two booksPARIS-- The combo of A'ja Wilson and also Breanna Stewart has verified to become a devasting blend for the Crew USA ladies, relevant where there is a situation developing that they might discuss the Olympics Most Prized Possession Player Award.But there is actually a brand new duo arising, though certainly not an astonishing one, that is actually confirmed to be a large increase as the Americans pursue yet another gold medal.Las Vegas Aces colleagues Kelsey Plum as well as Jackie Youthful have actually stepped up to be difference-makers in France and played crucial parts in Staff United States's 88-74 triumph over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It denoted the team's 59th successive Olympic triumph as well as sets up a semifinal match against Australia, victors over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Youthful do with double-digit factors for the 2nd straight video game, firing 60% coming from the field in the United States' win over Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve moved Youthful in to the starting lineup in place of professional Diana Taurasi against Nigeria, a crew recognized for participating in higher tension full-court self defense that tests opposing guards.It was actually an incentive after Youthful scored 19 points along with four takes off the seat in the final pool play activity against Germany. She answered with one more great efficiency, playing with electricity at both ends along with another Aces colleague, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young racked up 15 points and also assisted lug the united state outburst early in the video game as the Americans left to a bit of a sluggish start through their standards.Nigeria lagged by just 4 aspects midway by means of the 2nd fourth. That is actually when Reeve visited Plum, who was the 12th as well as ultimate gamer to enter into the game for the Americans. Plum instantly altered the game with her passing away and speed on the objectionable end, giving out three quick assists as well as nailing a 3-pointer. Plum completed with only six factors however her six-minute switch to finish the 1st half caused a plus-11 on the scoreboard to drive the cause 19 at fifty percent. The USA then started the 2nd fifty percent on a 15-0 run and also the stress and anxiety was provided for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson as well as Stewart, that entered into the activity balancing a matching 20.3 points every activity, played their brand name of seasoned oppressor ball. Wilson put in 20 aspects on 9-of-11 firing with 11 rebounds and also two blocks. Stewart possessed 13 aspects on 5-of-7 capturing with 5 rebounds and also three assists.Brittney Griner went over the seat to rating 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Those three interior scorers combining for 16-of-21 is actually tough to beat.The U.S. went into the game balancing 29 assists and once again put on a ball-sharing center by putting together 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which cut the top up to as low as 13 in the 4th one-fourth, with 19 points. The activity finished along with a little bit of edge when the united state's Kahleah Copper got a technological filthy for tossing the reception at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she scored in the final seconds.