.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA article writer because 2010.Covered Cleveland Cavs for 7 years.Author of pair of booksPARIS-- The combo of A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart has actually proven to be a devasting mix for the Staff U.S.A. females, relevant where there is a situation establishing that they could possibly share the Olympics The majority of Belongings Player Award.But there's a brand-new duo arising, though not a surprising one, that is actually confirmed to become a significant boost as the Americans pursue one more gold medal.Las Las vega Aces allies Kelsey Plum as well as Jackie Young have boosted to be difference-makers in France and also participated in crucial roles in Group United States's 88-74 victory over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It denoted the team's 59th consecutive Olympic victory as well as establishes a semifinal match versus Australia, champions over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Young finished with double-digit aspects for the 2nd upright activity, shooting 60% from the field in the USA' get Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve relocated Young in to the beginning sequence instead of professional Diana Taurasi versus Nigeria, a group known for participating in higher pressure full-court self defense that tests opposing guards.It was a benefit after Young racked up 19 aspects along with four swipes off the seat in the final pool play game against Germany. She responded with an additional exceptional efficiency, playing with energy at both ends alongside one more Aces ally, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young racked up 15 aspects and helped bring the U.S. outburst early in the activity as the Americans got off to a little a lethargic begin by their standards.Nigeria was behind by only 4 aspects midway with the second one-fourth. That is actually when Reeve went to Plum, that was actually the 12th and also last player to get in the game for the Americans. Plum instantaneously modified the video game along with her passing away as well as rate on the offending end, dispensing three quick assists and also nailing a 3-pointer. Plum finished with only six factors yet her six-minute shift to finish the initial half caused a plus-11 on the scoreboard to press the bring about 19 at half. The USA after that began the second one-half on a 15-0 operate and the stress and anxiety was actually provided for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson and also Stewart, that came into the game balancing a matching 20.3 scores every video game, played their brand name of professional tormenter sphere. Wilson placed in twenty points on 9-of-11 capturing with 11 rebounds and pair of blocks. Stewart had thirteen aspects on 5-of-7 capturing with five rebounds and 3 assists.Brittney Griner went over the bench to credit rating 11 ideas on 4-of-5 shooting. Those three interior markers blending for 16-of-21 is actually challenging to beat.The united state entered into the game balancing 29 supports as well as once again put on a ball-sharing facility by constructing 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which cut the lead up to as low as thirteen in the fourth one-fourth, along with 19 scores. The activity finished along with a little bit of edge when the U.S.'s Kahleah Copper got a technical foul for throwing the reception at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she scored in the last seconds.