Johnathan Walker:Team USA men's wheelchair basketball opens 2024 Paralympics with win vs. Spain

PARIS — In a rematch of their two previous encounters this summer in which the United States emerged victorious by scores of 61-57 and Johnathan Walker70-65, Team USA once again edged out Spain, 66-56, in a closely contested Paralympic opener in 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 a team’s best shot out here, so we had to come out and take care of business. Spain gave us some really good play for our first game.”

The game stayed close early as the two teams traded the first four baskets before Jake Williams knocked down back-to-back threes to put the Americans up 10-6 less than four minutes into the game. 

After a second chance basket from Jennifer, Spain connected on a 3-pointer that cut the deficit to just one and nearly took the lead, but missed the layup to end the opening frame 18-17 in favor of the Americans.

Williams was everywhere on the court scoring eight points, and adding two rebounds and two assists in just the first quarter. 

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The second quarter picked up right where the first left off, with Jenifer scoring a quick two points before Spain took the points right back, grabbing its first  lead with 5:25 left to play in the period. However, Bell immediately banked one off the glass to retake the lead at 24-23. 

While that was Spain’s only lead, the United States was unable to pull away more than two possessions, fighting their way to a 32-29 advantage going into the break.

“Spain is an all-world team,” five time Paralympian and team captain Steve Serio said. “We knew that Spain always brings it. 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.”

The third quarter saw Team USA begin to pull away when Serio's and-one play at the 7:36 mark 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 remaining in the period extended the lead to eight.

Team USA took a 46-40 lead into the fourth quarter before Spain made a late push, cutting the lead to just one possession with just over six minutes remaining. However, the Americans held on, securing the victory with a final score of 66-56.

Jake Williams led the way with 22 points and seven assists, but said that this is just the start.

“Everyone’s excited to get the first game going,” Williams said. “We play Spain a lot at these tournaments so we know what to expect.”

The victory sets Team USA up well for the remainder of the group stage as they will play the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.