Team USA men's wheelchair basketball begins the 2024 Paralympics with a victory over Spain
U.S. Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team Open Paralympics With 66-56 Win Against Spain | Paris 2024. The U.S. men's wheelchair basketball team defeated Spain, 66-56, in its first group play match at the Paris.
PARIS — In a rematch of their earlier summer games, where the United States won 61-57 and 70-65, Team USA narrowly defeated Spain again, 66-56, in a tightly contested Paralympic opener at Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.
“We’re facing the best of the best right now,” said Team USA’s Trevon Jenifer regarding the two squads. “This is the biggest tournament we have, and we know we’ll be facing each team’s top performance, so we needed to come out strong. Spain played very well in our first game.”
The competition began closely, with both teams exchanging the first four baskets until Jake Williams hit two consecutive three-pointers, giving the Americans a 10-6 lead less than four minutes into the match.
The second quarter began similarly to the first, with Jenifer quickly adding two points before Spain responded to take its first lead with 5:25 left in the period. However, Bell quickly answered by banking a shot off the glass to reclaim the lead at 24-23.
That marked Spain's only lead, as the United States struggled to extend their advantage beyond two possessions, eventually heading into halftime with a 32-29 lead.
“Spain is an exceptional team,” said team captain and five-time Paralympian Steve Serio. “We knew they would be tough. They’re not someone you can underestimate. We have plenty of room for improvement, and we’ll review the game to get better.”
In the third quarter, Team USA began to create some distance when Serio completed an and-one play at the 7:36 mark, pushing the score to 36-29. Spain continued to battle, but the Americans maintained a solid lead. Jennifer's fast break score with 3:01 left in the period increased the lead to eight.
Team USA entered the fourth quarter with a 46-40 advantage, but Spain made a late charge, narrowing the gap to just one possession with over six minutes left. Nevertheless, the Americans held on for a 66-56 victory.
Jake Williams was the standout performer with 22 points and seven assists, emphasizing that this is just the beginning.
“Everyone was eager to kick off the first game,” Williams stated. “We face Spain frequently in these tournaments, so we know what to expect.”
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