PARIS (AP) — The United States made a change to its starting lineup, replacing Diana Taurasi with Jackie Young in an effort to get off to a better start.

It paid off immediately as the Americans started strongly and defeated Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the Paris Gamesand extended their winning streak to 59 consecutive Olympic Games.

Taurasi said coach Cheryl Reeve told her about the lineup change on Tuesday.

“I think this is the first game since 2004 where I came off the bench,” said the six-time Olympian.

In fact, it was the first time Taurasi did not compete in an Olympic competition since the 2004 Athens Games. The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer said that winning the gold medal was the only thing that mattered to her.

“I mean, that’s really the only thing that matters, you know?” Taurasi said. “And you know, this team is evolving and today was good in some areas. And there are still things we’re going to improve for the next game.”

Reeve said the staff has been evaluating the roster since the WNBA All-Star Game last month in Phoenix.

“We’re just gathering information on our squad, you know, we’ve created opportunities in different places,” she said of the lineup change. “Then when we get to the medal round, we’ll settle on a solid rotation.”

Next up on Friday evening is a familiar opponent: Australia in the semifinals. The Opals defeated Serbia 85:67. The other game in the medal round will take place in the host country. France vs BelgiumThe Americans have not lost since the 1992 Barcelona Games and are just two wins away from an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal.

Young made the most of his start, scoring 15 points and also being a good defensive stopper.

“I know that’s kind of my role on the team. You know, I have to be aggressive on defense,” she said. “Be physical, make stops. And you know, that makes us play transitionally on offense.”

A’ja Wilson scored 20 points and Breanna Stewart added 13 for the Americans, who led 26-17 after the first quarter – the first time they had led after a quarter since their opening win over Japan.

“Our starts have to be great because the team on the other end is trying to take our heads off,” Wilson said. “They want something. They’re hungry for it. So we knew that from the beginning. We had to get a great start and strike first because it’s a little bit like March Madness during this time. You never know what’s going to happen. And you kind of have to always be on your guard.”

Young had five points to start before spraining her ankle while attempting a jump shot when she landed on the foot of a Nigerian player. Taurasi came on as a substitute and hit her first shot – a three-pointer from the free throw line – that made it 24-12 late in the first quarter.

Nigeria hung on, trailing just 31-27 before Wilson, Young and Kelsey Plum took the lead. The Las Vegas Aces trio scored the first 15 points, including eight from Wilson, during a 21-6 run to close the half that gave the Americans a 52-33 halftime lead.

The USA continued their spurt in the third quarter and scored the first ten points, leaving the Nigerians with no hope of a comeback.

Promise Amukamara scored 19 points to lead Nigeria, Amy Okonkwo added 17 and Ezinne Kalu had 16.

This defeat ended a historic run of Nigeria, which led to first African country to qualify for the Olympic quarter-finals in basketball.

“It was everything. He is a man of movement for Nigeria and for Africa,” said Nigeria coach Rena Wakama. “I have said all along that we have so much talent. And I hope the world can see what we are capable of when we invest in ourselves, invest in the youth of Africa, invest in sports where we can compete at the highest level.”

As this was the U.S. team’s first Games in Paris, the competition attracted a number of Olympians, including men’s team players LeBron James, Bam Adebayo and Devin Booker, as well as American swimming greats Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Members of the U.S. rowing team were also in attendance.

Taurasi and other U.S. players hugged Phelps after the game.

“Yeah, that’s my boy. Our kids go to the same school. They’re in the same class. You know, it’s funny, (wife) Penny (Taylor) and I were bringing Leo to class one day and we thought, oh, we’re going to be the only gold medalists,” Taurasi said. “Show and tell. I’m going to bring my five gold medals. And we look back and Michael is bringing his little boy to the same class and Penny and I were just laughing. We spend a lot of time with them at school and for him to come and support us, you know, he’s a legend.”

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games