Breanna Stewart was blunt in her assessment of Team USA’s back-to-back losses ahead of the Olympics.
“…it is frustrating–but it’s a part of the game, a part of the process,” said Stewart.
The U.S. women’s basketball team suffered consecutive losses when the squad fell to Team WNBA in Wednesday’s All-Star Game and then to Australia in an exhibition game only two days later.
Team USA’s losing streak comes only ten days before the squad’s first Olympic matchup in Tokyo.
“When we get to the Olympics, that’s when it’s really, really crunch time,” said Stewart, adding, “We do have to put this on the fast track.”
Dawn Staley, head coach for Team USA, was measured in her response to Friday’s defeat, pointing out that the group was still getting used to playing with one another.
“I think we can get down the floor a little bit and play quicker,” said Staley, adding, “I think we are just a step behind because we are trying to figure each other out.”
Team USA is still without Olympic veteran Diana Taurasi, who has been out with a hip injury since early July.
“It’s tough missing Diana because Diana not only scores well, but she’s a tremendous passer,” said Staley.
Team USA will face off against Nigeria on Sunday in the squad’s final exhibition game ahead of Tokyo. The matchup will air on NBCSN at 5:30 p.m. E.T.