Opening of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris: USA defeated Spain in wheelchair basketball
31 august 2024 в 01:13
The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris officially began with the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28, featuring 22 sports in 23 disciplines, with a total of 549 events over 11 days.
One of the sports that has already captured the hearts of fans, especially Americans, is wheelchair basketball, where the US men’s team defeated Spain 66−56 in a tense opening match of the Paralympics at the Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.
The match was a repeat of their two previous encounters this summer, where the United States won 61−57 and 70−65.
«We're talking about the best of the best right now», - said Trevon Jenifer of the US team. «This is the biggest tournament we have, so we know we’re going to get the best out of every team. We had to come out and handle business, and Spain gave us a really good game in our first match».
The match remained tense in the early stages as both teams exchanged shots, and Spain took the lead for the first time with 5 minutes and 25 seconds left in the first half, leading 32−29 at halftime.
«Spain is a world-class team», - said five-time Paralympian and team captain Steve Serio. «We knew Spain always brings it. This is not a team you can overlook. We definitely have a lot of room to grow, but we’ll go back, watch the game tape, and get better».
The US team held a 46−40 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter, before Spain made a late surge, cutting the lead to one possession with six minutes left. However, the Americans held on for the win.
«Everyone is excited to start the first game», - said Jake Williams, who led the team to victory with 22 points and seven assists. «We often play Spain in these tournaments, so we know what to expect».
The victory set the US team up well for the rest of the group stage, where they will face the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 am Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, the US women’s team also proved their strength, securing a convincing victory over Germany with a score of 73−44.
The women’s team will also play against the Netherlands on Saturday at 3:45 pm Eastern Time
One of the sports that has already captured the hearts of fans, especially Americans, is wheelchair basketball, where the US men’s team defeated Spain 66−56 in a tense opening match of the Paralympics at the Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.
The match was a repeat of their two previous encounters this summer, where the United States won 61−57 and 70−65.
«We're talking about the best of the best right now», - said Trevon Jenifer of the US team. «This is the biggest tournament we have, so we know we’re going to get the best out of every team. We had to come out and handle business, and Spain gave us a really good game in our first match».
The match remained tense in the early stages as both teams exchanged shots, and Spain took the lead for the first time with 5 minutes and 25 seconds left in the first half, leading 32−29 at halftime.
«Spain is a world-class team», - said five-time Paralympian and team captain Steve Serio. «We knew Spain always brings it. This is not a team you can overlook. We definitely have a lot of room to grow, but we’ll go back, watch the game tape, and get better».
The US team held a 46−40 advantage at the start of the fourth quarter, before Spain made a late surge, cutting the lead to one possession with six minutes left. However, the Americans held on for the win.
«Everyone is excited to start the first game», - said Jake Williams, who led the team to victory with 22 points and seven assists. «We often play Spain in these tournaments, so we know what to expect».
The victory set the US team up well for the rest of the group stage, where they will face the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 am Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, the US women’s team also proved their strength, securing a convincing victory over Germany with a score of 73−44.
The women’s team will also play against the Netherlands on Saturday at 3:45 pm Eastern Time
© Artemenko Olga
