.Brian Windhorst, ESPN Senior WriterAug 7, 2024, 05:28 PM ETCloseESPN.com NBA author because 2010.Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years.Writer of two booksPARIS-- The combination of A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart has actually proven to be a devasting mixture for the Team United States ladies, to the point where there is actually a scenario developing that they could discuss the Olympics A lot of Valuable Gamer Award.But there's a new duo emerging, though certainly not an unusual one, that is actually shown to be a major boost as the Americans work toward yet another gold medal.Las Las vega Aces colleagues Kelsey Plum as well as Jackie Young have actually improved to become difference-makers in France as well as played key roles in Staff U.S.A.'s 88-74 triumph over Nigeria in the quarterfinals.It denoted the team's 59th consecutive Olympic victory and establishes a semifinal matchup against Australia, champions over Serbia Wednesday, on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.Jackie Young completed with double-digit aspects for the 2nd upright video game, firing 60% coming from the industry in the United States' win over Nigeria. CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockCoach Cheryl Reeve moved Young into the beginning lineup instead of pro Diana Taurasi against Nigeria, a team recognized for participating in high pressure full-court protection that tests setting against guards.It was a benefit after Youthful scored 19 factors with 4 steals off the seat in the last swimming pool play video game against Germany. She responded with another excellent performance, playing with energy at both ends together with yet another Aces colleague, Chelsea Gray, in the backcourt.Young scored 15 aspects and aided lug the united state outburst early in the video game as the Americans got off to a bit of a lethargic beginning through their standards.Nigeria was behind through only 4 factors midway with the 2nd one-fourth. That is actually when Reeve visited Plum, who was actually the 12th and also last gamer to go into the game for the Americans. Plum instantaneously transformed the video game along with her passing and rate on the repulsive end, serving up 3 easy supports and also nailing a 3-pointer. Plum finished with only 6 factors but her six-minute shift to end up the 1st half led to a plus-11 on the scoreboard to push the trigger 19 at one-half. The U.S. after that began the 2nd one-half on a 15-0 operate and the stress was created for the evening.Editor's Picks1 RelatedWilson and also Stewart, that came into the activity balancing a matching 20.3 points every activity, played their label of skilled oppressor ball. Wilson placed in 20 points on 9-of-11 firing along with 11 rebounds as well as 2 blocks. Stewart had thirteen factors on 5-of-7 shooting with 5 rebounds as well as 3 assists.Brittney Griner went over the bench to rating 11 points on 4-of-5 firing. Those 3 internal markers integrating for 16-of-21 is actually hard to beat.The united state went into the game averaging 29 helps and once again placed on a ball-sharing facility through setting up 31 more.Promise Amukamara led Nigeria, which reduced the top to as low as thirteen in the 4th quarter, along with 19 scores. The game ended with a little bit of edge when the USA's Kahleah Copper acquired a specialized nasty for tossing the reception at Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu after she racked up in the ultimate seconds.