The opening day of wheelchair basketball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was nothing short of exhilarating. Over the course of the day, approximately 36,500 passionate fans packed the Bercy Arena to witness the world’s best athletes in action. The competition was fierce, with each game delivering intense moments and remarkable performances.
Great Britain vs Germany (Men)
Great Britain’s men’s team kicked off their campaign with a commanding victory over Germany, finishing with a score of 76-55. The British squad set the tone early, outscoring Germany 18-8 in the first quarter. Ben Fox was a standout with his smart play and quick hands, leading a defensive effort that consistently stifled Germany’s offense.
Despite a resurgence from Germany in the second half, where they began to find their rhythm and posed a genuine threat, Great Britain widened the gap in the final quarter, closing the game on a strong note. Gregg Warburton led the scoring for GBR with 24 points, while Lee Manning contributed a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Philip Pratt’s playmaking was also crucial, dishing out an impressive 18 assists. For Germany, Matthias Guntner and Nico Dreimuller were the top scorers with 19 and 10 points, respectively.
Spain vs Great Britain (Women)
The British women’s team mirrored the success of their male counterparts with a dominant 69-34 win over Spain. Great Britain’s shooting accuracy was a key factor, particularly in the first half where they doubled Spain’s output in both quarters.
Jade Atkin, making her Paralympic debut, was sensational, scoring 19 points with a 73% shooting percentage. Robyn Love matched her efficiency, adding 16 points and pulling down 19 rebounds for a double-double. Spain struggled to keep up, with Beatriz Zudaire leading their scoring with 12 points. The British women’s team showcased their depth and skill, setting a high bar for the tournament.
USA vs Spain (Men)
The matchup between the USA and Spain was a re-run of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Gold medal game and what a hard-fought battle it was, with the USA securing a 66-56 victory. Both teams came out aggressively, keeping the score close throughout the first half. However, the USA began to pull ahead in the third quarter, thanks to their speed and excellent ball movement.
Steve Serio was instrumental in the win, achieving a triple-double with 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. Jake Williams led the scoring for the USA with 22 points, while Spain’s Ignacio Ortega, who fouled out late in the game, was their top scorer with 17 points. The USA’s ability to capitalise on fast breaks and maintain composure under pressure was key to their victory.
Canada vs China (Women)
China emerged victorious in a closely contested game against Canada, winning 70-65. The first half saw China capitalise on Canada’s turnovers, maintaining a slim lead. Canada fought back in the third quarter, with multiple lead changes making for an exciting game.
However, China’s aggressive defense in the fourth quarter sealed the win, despite accumulating 14 fouls. Xuemei Zhang was the standout performer, scoring 30 points. Canada’s Kady Dandeneau was equally impressive, contributing 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome China’s relentless defensive pressure.
Australia vs Netherlands (Men)
In the final game of the day, the Netherlands defeated Australia 66-55 in a game that saw momentum shift multiple times. Australia started strong with effective 3-point shooting, but the Netherlands kept the game close, showing resilience and tactical precision.
The second half belonged to the Netherlands, who tightened their defense and outscored Australia in the final two quarters. Mendel Op den Orth led the Dutch team with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Bill Latham was the top performer for Australia with 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Netherlands’ ability to adapt and pressure the Australians was critical to their victory.
Day 1 of wheelchair basketball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games unleashed a wave of excitement that electrified the Bercy Arena. From stunning upsets to standout performances, the opening games have set a high bar for the competition ahead. Fans are in for a treat as the action intensifies on Day 2, with some thrilling matchups on the horizon.
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