PARIS — In their third showdown this summer, Team USA continued their winning streak against Spain with a 66-56 victory in a tightly fought Paralympic opener at Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon. Earlier this summer, the U.S. had defeated Spain 61-57 and 70-65.
“This is the pinnacle of competition, and we knew Spain would bring their best,” said Trevon Jenifer of Team USA. “We had to stay focused and perform well, and Spain certainly gave us a strong challenge in our first game.”
The match was closely contested at the start, with the teams exchanging the first four baskets. Jake Williams then sparked a run for the Americans, hitting consecutive three-pointers to give the U.S. a 10-6 lead just under four minutes into the game.
Following a second-chance basket by Jennifer, Spain nailed a 3-pointer to close the gap to just one point and almost took the lead. However, they missed a layup as the opening frame ended with the Americans ahead 18-17.
Williams was unstoppable on the court, scoring eight points and contributing two rebounds and two assists in just the first quarter.
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The second quarter continued the intensity of the first, with Jenifer quickly adding two points. Spain then reclaimed the lead with 5:25 remaining in the period. However, Bell responded promptly, hitting a shot off the glass to regain the lead for her team at 24-23.
Spain’s lead was brief, as the United States struggled to extend their advantage beyond two possessions, managing a slim 32-29 lead at halftime.
“Spain is an elite team,” said Steve Serio, a five-time Paralympian and team captain. “We knew Spain always brings their best. They’re not an opponent you can underestimate. We have plenty of room to improve, but we’ll review the game tape and come back stronger.”
In the third quarter, Team USA started to pull away when Serio’s and-one play at the 7:36 mark gave them a 36-29 lead. Despite Spain’s efforts to close the gap, the Americans kept a steady advantage. Jennifer’s fast break score with 3:01 left in the period pushed the lead to eight points.
Team USA entered the fourth quarter with a 46-40 lead, but Spain made a late surge, narrowing the gap to just one possession with over six minutes remaining. Nevertheless, the Americans managed to hold on and secured the win with a final score of 66-56.
Jake Williams led the team with 22 points and seven assists but emphasized that this victory is just the beginning.
“Everyone's eager to start the first game,” Williams said. “We face Spain frequently in these tournaments, so we’re familiar with what to expect.”
The win puts Team USA in a strong position for the rest of the group stage, with their next match against the Netherlands scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.
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