.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Elder WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer considering that 2010.Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years.Writer of pair of booksPARIS-- The combination of A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart has actually shown to be a devasting mix for the Group United States females, to the point where there is actually a case establishing that they could possibly share the Olympics The majority of Prized Possession Gamer Award.But there's a new duo arising, though certainly not an unusual one, that is actually confirmed to become a large increase as the Americans work toward one more gold medal.Las Las vega Aces colleagues Kelsey Plum and also Jackie Youthful have actually stepped up to become difference-makers in France as well as played key tasks in Team United States's 88-74 victory over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It indicated the group's 59th consecutive Olympic triumph and also establishes a semifinal match versus Australia, victors over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Young finished with double-digit points for the second upright activity, shooting 60% coming from the area in the United States' win over Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve relocated Youthful into the starting sequence in place of pro Diana Taurasi versus Nigeria, a group recognized for participating in higher stress full-court defense that tests opposing guards.It was a benefit after Young scored 19 factors along with four steals off the bench in the final pool play game against Germany. She answered with yet another exceptional efficiency, enjoying with energy at both points together with an additional Aces teammate, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young scored 15 factors and helped bring the united state outburst early in the activity as the Americans got off to a little a lethargic start through their standards.Nigeria was behind through simply four aspects midway via the second fourth. That's when Reeve went to Plum, who was actually the 12th and also ultimate gamer to go into the ready the Americans. Plum instantly altered the video game along with her passing away and also speed on the objectionable point, dispensing three quick aids as well as nailing a 3-pointer. Plum do with simply 6 aspects however her six-minute change to complete the initial one-half led to a plus-11 on the scoreboard to press the trigger 19 at one-half. The united state then started the 2nd half on a 15-0 run as well as the tension was created for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson and Stewart, that entered into the video game balancing a matching 20.3 points every activity, played their brand name of skilled tormenter round. Wilson placed in twenty aspects on 9-of-11 capturing with 11 rebounds as well as 2 blocks. Stewart had thirteen points on 5-of-7 firing with five rebounds and 3 assists.Brittney Griner came off the seat to score 11 ideas on 4-of-5 capturing. Those 3 interior scorers blending for 16-of-21 is tough to beat.The U.S. went into the activity averaging 29 supports and once more placed on a ball-sharing center through setting up 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which cut the top up to as reduced as thirteen in the 4th one-fourth, along with 19 scores. The activity ended along with a little bit of upper hand when the U.S.'s Kahleah Copper got a specialized nasty for throwing the ball at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she racked up in the ultimate seconds.