Team USA Triumphs Over Spain in Men’s Wheelchair Basketball at 2024 Paralympics

On August 29, 2024, Team USA achieved a significant victory in men’s wheelchair basketball, defeating Spain with a score of 66-56 in their opening game at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Captain Serio led the U.S. team with an impressive triple-double, scoring 12 points, securing 11 rebounds, and providing 12 assists in the match. Following his role as the flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony, his performance was instrumental in maintaining the U.S. team’s offensive strength against Spain.

In the game, another American player emerged as the top scorer, netting 22 points, while a teammate contributed an additional 14 points. Despite the team’s extensive experience, player Williams emphasized the ongoing challenges inherent in each new tournament cycle.

Williams remarked, “Every cycle there is a new team. Four years is a long time to sit on something. Every tournament is a new tournament, especially this one, as it marks the first time with eight competing teams.” He also highlighted the U.S. team’s defensive strategy, as Spain recorded 11 turnovers, while Team USA registered five steals and blocked one shot, contributing to their victory.

With high expectations following a successful streak since the London 2012 Paralympics, an American player noted, “It gives us a higher bar and expectations to take our sport to the next level. We embrace that challenge. We love it.”

Team USA’s next match will be against the Netherlands on Saturday at 4 p.m. CEST, 10 a.m. ET.

In another notable match, Great Britain‘s men’s wheelchair basketball team secured a commanding 76-55 win against Germany, with standout performances leading them to victory.

On the women’s side, Great Britain triumphed with a score of 69-34 over Spain, where a debut player led her team with 19 points, expressing her excitement at starting her Paralympic journey.

The People’s Republic of China’s women’s wheelchair basketball team recorded a thrilling 70-65 victory against Canada, showcasing their skill with eight steals throughout the match.

In the final game of the night, Australia’s men faced a challenging competition against the Netherlands, with the Dutch team reversing an early deficit to win 66-55.