Three reasons USA can extend their Olympic legacy, three reasons Japan can win first ever gold

TOKYO (Japan) - Having already punched a ticket to their tenth title game at the FIBA Women's Basketball Tournament, defending champions USA are looking to make it seven gold medals in a row, with first-time Finalists and hosts Japan out to stop them.

But what are the factors that could either extend the USA's astonishing run, or hand Japan a glorious and unexpected maiden Olympic title?

USA

They're too good and too deep to handle

It's obvious of course, but it is the most telling factor almost always when the USA step onto the court. They are stacked. Seriously stacked. Not only in terms of depth and options off the bench, but they have so much experience and quality at the highest level, from five-time Olympians like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, to a debutante getting it done like A'Ja Wilson and of course the amazing Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner. Whether it is killing you inside the paint, in transition or making shots from range, USA have all the weapons needed for any champion team and the ballers who can execute whatever path Coach Dawn Staley chooses.

Breanna Stewart

She may have started slowly in that first Group Phase game, but ever since then, 'Stewie' has shifted through the gears brilliantly with a tournament MVP bid. She didn't play much five years ago in Rio when she made her debut, but now she is the centerpiece of the USA team. Even if they are loaded with talent, the equation still seems to be that when Stewart is playing well, the team is playing well. The ball-handling, shooting it like a bonafide guard, getting it done in the paint when needed - she does it all. If Japan keep it close then don't be surprised if Stewart is the difference-maker.

The players really want to do this for Bird and Taurasi

Of course no player with the USA emblazoned across their chest should need an additional reason for wanting to land an Olympic gold medal, but as well as doing it for themselves and for their country, the players have another special dimension on their minds. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are a legendary duo looking to exit the international stage on a high with a fifth gold medal at their fifth Games. It seems unthinkable that they could leave Tokyo without the usual Olymoic bling around their necks.

Japan

Unrivalled spacing and sprinting

 

At the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year, a Belgian player laughed when she spoke about how 'Japan's players are not capable of running - they only sprint', she smiled. Almost 18 months later and getting to their spots a second before their defenders within this incredible capacity to space the floor so beautifully, efficiently and effectively gives them an edge. It hands them an advantage against any team in the women's global game - including USA.

Rui Machida

 

What Machida is doing in this tournament can never be over exagerated. It is jaw-dropping. Astonishing. Insert as many more words as you like and you still won't get close. Setting a new OIympic game-high record of 18 assists in that Semi-Final against France was amazing but just the tip of the iceberg. Under this peak, the body of work, the larger chink of ice (and she is ice-cool on the court by the way) is that last week we celebrated the legendary  Sue Bird getting to 100 assists at her fifth Olympic Games. Machida is now on 69 assists in just five ACTUAL games of basketball. We'll just leave that there for you all to get your heads around.

Destiny for Tom Hovasse 

 

'Coach Tom' has never stopped reminding everyone that several years ago, he said at his first press conference that it was his dream and indeed goal to play against his native USA in the Olympic gold medal game at Tokyo 2020. And, here we are. It is already an incredible story, having taken Japan to their first Semi-Finals spot. To their first Final and now, could it be a first ever Olympic title. You have to love how being underdogs is not an issue. The fact that the USA have won six golds in a row is a non-factor. Asked how you beat a team like USA he replied: "You execute like we did today (against France) - you hit threes and pull their bigs out and finish in the paint - simple. I don't think my players quite think like that,- but it's in my mind." The work he has done to make Japan into one of the most unique and entertaining teams in global basket is earning him rave reviews. But this phlegmatic and engaging playcaller might not quite be done just yet. 

FIBA