The Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games are underway, and the US men's wheelchair basketball team had it first match against Spain on Thursday. The men's wheelchair basketball team had its first game of the 2024 Paralympics against Spain. Team USA left the court victorious after the game on Thursday that ended 66-56. 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.
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. 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. 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.
Wheelchair Basketball at the Paralympics
Basketball remains one of the most followed sports in the world, but not many are aware that the sport is also played by physically challenged athletes. In fact, more than more than 100 countries play wheelchair basketball at the moment, with teams like France, the USA, Great Britain, etc. participating in the sport at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. The wheelchair basketball was designed at first to help rehabilitate wounded soldiers and help them release stress. Since the physically challenged athletes had to use wheelchairs to travel across the court, the sport started to be called wheelchair basketball.
A History of Wheelchair Basketball
There also exists an International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, according to which the sport was first played 1945 between two hospitals in the United States. The International Paralympic Committee states: "Wheelchair basketball first emerged around 1946 in the USA, developed by injured servicemen from World War II. Most were former able-bodied players who wanted to continue playing the game. The simple adaptations and slight rule variations for people in wheelchairs allowed the sport to spread across the US, and eventually worldwide."
Wheelchair basketball was introduced to the Paralympic Games 1960 in Rome. The Rome Paralympics had a total of eight sports, one of which was wheelchair basketball. In the inaugural campaign, it was the United States of America that won two gold medals in wheelchair basketball.
The Rise of Wheelchair Basketball
Over the years, wheelchair basketball has seen its popularity soar through the roof. The U.S. men's wheelchair basketball team defeated Spain, 66-56, in its first group play match at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Video supplied by NBC Olympics.
The Future of Wheelchair Basketball
With its growing popularity and the commitment of athletes and organizations, wheelchair basketball is poised for an even brighter future. The sport continues to inspire, entertain, and demonstrate the incredible abilities of athletes who overcome adversity to achieve their dreams.
A Global Sport
Wheelchair basketball is a truly global sport, with teams from all corners of the world competing at the highest level. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are a testament to the sport's global reach and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds.
More Than Just a Game
Wheelchair basketball is more than just a game. It is a source of inspiration, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the human spirit. It showcases the incredible abilities of athletes who defy limitations and achieve extraordinary feats. It is a sport that deserves to be celebrated, supported, and enjoyed by people all over the world.
