Gabrile Jackson
Special for USA TODAY
PARIS — In their first game of the Paralympics at Bercy Arena, Team USA faced off against Spain, emerging victorious with a score of 66-56. This match marked the third encounter between the two teams this summer, with the United States previously winning both previous games, 61-57 and 70-65.
Trevon Jenifer of Team USA remarked on the high level of competition, stating, “We’re talking about the best of the best right now. This is the biggest tournament we have, so we know we’re going to get a team’s best shot out here. We had to come out and take care of business. Spain gave us some really good play for our first game.”
The game began intensely, with both teams exchanging baskets early on. Jake Williams contributed significantly by hitting two consecutive three-pointers, giving the Americans a 10-6 lead within the first four minutes. Following a second-chance basket from Jennifer, Spain responded with a three-pointer that narrowed the gap to one point but missed a subsequent layup, concluding the first quarter with the Americans up 18-17. Williams excelled in the first quarter with eight points, along with two rebounds and two assists.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with Jenifer quickly scoring, but Spain soon reclaimed the lead at 5:25 left in the period. Bell quickly responded, putting the U.S. back ahead at 24-23, marking Spain’s sole lead in the game. The Americans ended the half with a narrow 32-29 advantage.
Steve Serio, a five-time Paralympian and team captain, acknowledged Spain’s competitive nature, stating, “They are not an opponent that you can overlook. We definitely have a lot of room to grow, but we’ll go back and look at the game tape and get better.”
In the third quarter, Team USA began to create distance with a crucial basket by Serio, extending their lead to 36-29. Although Spain pushed back, the Americans maintained their lead, culminating in a score of 46-40 at the end of the third.
Spain mounted a late comeback attempt, reducing the lead to a single possession with just over six minutes left in the game. Nevertheless, Team USA secured the victory, concluding the match with a score of 66-56.
Jake Williams was instrumental with 22 points and seven assists, emphasizing the significance of the win, stating, “Everyone’s excited to get the first game going. We play Spain a lot at these tournaments so we know what to expect.”
The win positions Team USA favorably for their next match in the group stage against the Netherlands, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.