Five players showing their teeth off the bench in Tokyo

TOKYO (Japan) - While most kudos go to the starting five ballers, it's often those who step off the bench that shift the momentum or play the cameo role that can make the difference with a game on the line.  The Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament has proven proof of it. 

Here's  a selection of players in Tokyo who have reminded us all that being on the bench is no barrier to influence and success.

Marine Johannes - France

Perhaps the highest profile star not currently starting, that has not stopped Johannes making her usual play as an MVP contender for her team. She has embraced her new role in terms of production and this was no better highlighted than when she made that memorable clutch shot down the stretch against Spain in the Quarter-Finals. The hang time, the composure and skill to execute with just 0.1 seconds on the shot-clock was a thing of beauty - like so much of what this entertainer brings to the court.

Yet don't make the mistake of thinking Johannes is all about the highlights reel and does not have the hard-nosed competitive edge. Just ask her teammate Endy Miyem who said after the win against Spain, "I can still hear the voice of Marine in the last minute when she said, 'today we do not lose,'" revealed the forward.

Nako Motohashi - Japan

Before the tournament started, there was an expectation that Motohashi would be a  contributor for Japan, mainly coming off the bench and so it is proving - even if the guard played only 7 minutes and 1 minute in the opening two games, making only one bucket in the process. However, you can't keep a shooter like her down and in the crunch games against Nigeria and Belgium in the Quarter-Finals, she has come alive.

While Motohashi's court time has still been limited, she has stepped into the games and made some key triples, with back to back double-figure scoring returns. As Japan revel in their history after making the last four for the first time, Motohashi could be key to now landing a maiden medal. If you want instant offense, you know who to turn to. 

Xu Han - China

Everyone had expected Han to lead the line for China in the paint alongside Yueru Li, with the two forming a twin towers partnership with throughout the global and continental youth ranks. Yet head coach Xu Limin opted -intriguingly - not to play the two together and it was Li who got the starting spot.

In fairness, Li was immense and that meant Han had to step off the bench and perform. She did so really well and her 60 percent shooting sourced 9.5 points per outing to go with 7.5 boards per game propelled China to the brink of the Semi-Finals.

While China were undone by Serbia's defense and experience, Han showed that whether it is starting or coming onto the court after tip-off, she is so tough to stop. It's why Serbia head coach and also Ana Dabovic tipped China to medal next time. 

Maite Cazorla - Spain

Picked as a potential breakout performer at the event, Cazorla lived up to that billing with some very encouraging performances off the bench for Spain to show that they can still remain a power in coming years.

While many people might remember that the guard was not able to sink a shot against France in the dying seconds, it should not overshadow the double-figure score she had already posted, while her display against Serbia in a pivotal Group Phase matchup was one of the most memorable so far in Tokyo.

Cazorla torched the FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions with a special 5 of 6 downtown show en route to 17 points. 

Iliana Rupert - France

The young center did not get much court time in Strasbourg or Valencia at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket back in June due to the rich vein of form showed by Sandrine Gruda and Endy Miyem. It looked like she would also have to be patient at her debut Olympics in the early games, but Rupert shined a light on her talents in a big way against the USA. She stepped off the bench and dropped 11 points in 14 minutes with some great play. Then, she played her part against Spain in the Quarter-Finals as she made 2 of 2 and grabbed a precious 5 rebounds. If called upon in these medal games, Rupert has showed she can not only be relied upon, but also make a timely contribution. 

FIBA