U.S. men's wheelchair basketball team opens 2024 Paralympics with win over Spain #Paralympic2024

In a rematch of their previous two meetings this summer in which the United States emerged victorious by scores of 61-57 and 70-65, Team USA once again outlasted Spain, 66-56, in a close Paralympic opener at Bercy Arena on Thursday afternoon.“We’re talking about the best of the best right now,” Team USA’s Trevon Jenifer said of the two teams. “This is the biggest tournament we have, so we know we’re going to get the best out of each team, so we had to go out and do what we could. Spain gave us a really good game in our first game.”The game remained close from the start as both teams traded the first four baskets before Jake Williams hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Americans up 10-6 with less than four minutes left in the game. Following a second basket by Jennifer, Spain hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just one and nearly went ahead, but missed the layup to end the first quarter 18-17 in favor of the Americans.

Williams was everywhere on the court scoring eight points and adding two rebounds and two assists in the first quarter alone. The second quarter picked up right where the first had ended, with Jennifer quickly scoring two points before Spain got the points back and took the lead for the first time with 5:25 left in the period. However, Bell immediately scored one off the glass to retake the lead at 24-23. While that was Spain’s only lead, the U.S. couldn’t muster more than two possessions and clawed its way to a 32-29 lead going into the break.“Spain is a world-class team,” said Steve Serio, a five-time Paralympian and team captain. “We knew that Spain always gives their best. They are not an opponent to be overlooked. We certainly have a lot of room for improvement, but we will look back at the games and get better.”

In the third quarter, Team USA began to pull away when a play by Serio at 7:36 gave them a 36-29 lead. Spain continued to fight back, but the Americans maintained a comfortable margin. Jennifer’s fast-break score with 3:01 left in the period extended the lead to eight.Team USA took a 46-40 lead in the fourth quarter, but Spain attacked at the last moment and cut the lead to one possession with just over six minutes remaining. However, the Americans held on and took the win with a final score of 66-56.Jake Williams led the way with 22 points and seven assists, but said this is just the beginning. “We are all excited to get the first game started,” Williams said. “We play Spain a lot in these tournaments, so we know what to expect.” The win sets up Team USA well for the rest of the group stage, as they will play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.