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“We had to play a perfect game today,” said Brondello, assessing the opponent. “You’ve got to believe that you can, and it wasn’t our best day here. I’m disappointed that we didn’t put up a better effort, but we need to park and still focus on trying to win that medal.”
Having adapted well in recent games to the physical nature of international basketball, the Opals regressed a little in this contest – the absence of their trademark score off turnover most notable.
“I felt like we came out really flat,” said Brondello. “There wasn’t as much sense of urgency. I think the US had respect for us: they came out firing. But our shot selection wasn’t great, and they beat us back.”
The Americans were led by two time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart (16 points), and another two-time WNBA MVP in A’ja Wilson (10 points), but it was the depth of their roster that stood out. When Brittney Griner is coming off the bench, every rotation is as daunting as the last.
“They’re always going to do what they want to do: they’re superstars,” said veteran Cayla George. “We didn’t play the brand we wanted to play, or execute some things we wanted to execute. And when you’re playing a team like that, you’ve got such a small margin for error.”
“You really have to be on top of your game, being aggressive,” she added. “We didn’t take it up to them enough. We were a bit hesitant. And they played well – they didn’t really miss a beat. It was what it was, but we bounce back the same as if we lost by one.”
That was the sentiment offered by the Opal of the moment, too.
“They’re a bunch of superstars,” said Borlase, “but we definitely think we’re a better team playing together, and we just didn’t pull it together tonight.”
The teenager and youngest Opal on the roster was still thrilled to get some extended time on the floor.
“It was great to get out there,” she said. “I think I’m definitely a rhythmic player, so just to get those minutes into my legs is good, and I’ll be ready whenever my name is called. Obviously disappointed about the loss, but we can still get the bronze medal, so that’s what we’re looking forward to now.”
If it were up to George, they would play even sooner.
“I feel like you just have to figure it out as quickly as possible,” she said. “For me, I’m almost ready to play tomorrow morning: let’s get this game started. Whoever we face, we’ll be ready and we’ll bounce back. We’re a resilient mob.”
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