.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer due to the fact that 2010.Dealt With Cleveland Cavs for 7 years.Writer of two booksPARIS-- The blend of A'ja Wilson and also Breanna Stewart has actually verified to become a devasting combo for the Crew United States girls, to the point where there is actually a situation cultivating that they could discuss the Olympics Most Prized Possession Gamer Award.But there is actually a new duo arising, though certainly not an astonishing one, that's confirmed to become a large boost as the Americans pursue one more gold medal.Las Vegas Aces allies Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young have actually stepped up to be difference-makers in France as well as participated in essential functions in Group United States's 88-74 success over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It indicated the staff's 59th consecutive Olympic triumph and also establishes a semifinal competition 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 area in the USA' sway Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve relocated Youthful in to the starting lineup in place of expert Diana Taurasi against Nigeria, a staff recognized for participating in higher tension full-court defense that tests setting against guards.It was a benefit after Youthful racked up 19 factors along with 4 swipes off the bench in the ultimate pool play activity versus Germany. She answered with an additional outstanding performance, playing with power at both ends together with another Aces colleague, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young scored 15 factors and also helped lug the united state offense early in the game as the Americans got off to a bit of a lethargic start through their standards.Nigeria lagged through merely 4 aspects midway by means of the 2nd fourth. That's when Reeve visited Plum, who was actually the 12th and final gamer to enter the game for the Americans. Plum instantaneously transformed the video game along with her passing away and also rate on the annoying end, dispensing 3 fast supports as well as nailing a 3-pointer. Plum finished with just 6 points however her six-minute shift to complete the very first one-half caused a plus-11 on the scoreboard to drive the bring about 19 at half. The USA then began the second one-half on a 15-0 operate as well as the tension was provided for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson as well as Stewart, that entered into the activity averaging a matching 20.3 points every activity, played their brand of professional oppressor sphere. Wilson invested 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting along with 11 rebounds and also pair of blocks. Stewart had thirteen aspects on 5-of-7 shooting with five rebounds and three assists.Brittney Griner went over the bench to credit rating 11 ideas on 4-of-5 firing. Those three indoor markers integrating for 16-of-21 is actually challenging to beat.The USA got into the activity balancing 29 helps as well as again put on a ball-sharing clinic by setting up 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which cut the top down to as low as thirteen in the fourth quarter, with 19 points. The video game finished along with a little bit of edge when the USA's Kahleah Copper got a specialized filthy for throwing the ball at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she racked up in the final secs.