Team USA's Diana Taurasi breaks silence on losing starting spot to Jackie Young

Team USA women's basketball has played well so far in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Las Vegas Aces star Jackie Young has impressed off the bench, something that led to her receiving an opportunity to start on Wednesday against Nigeria. As a result, veteran Diana Taurasi was moved to the bench to open the game. Team USA ultimately earned an 88-74 victory. Taurasi addressed the lineup change after the game, via Doug Feinberg of apnews.com.

"I think it’s the first game I’ve ever come off the bench since ’04," Taurasi said before adding that her primary goal is to win a gold medal with Team USA.

Benching a star like Taurasi surely was not an easy decision. Yet, the move paid off in the end. A'ja Wilson continued to play at an elite level, as she recorded a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. Young, meanwhile, was second on the team in points with 15 in the win. Taurasi added three points and four assists off the bench.

Diana Taurasi can still contribute

Taurasi may have endured a quiet game on Wednesday after moving to the bench. She can still help Team USA moving forward, however.

The 42-year-old has played in the WNBA since 2004. She is still among the better players in the entire league. Taurasi was selected to her 11th career All-Star game this season. She is currently averaging 16.1 points per game on 40.1 percent field goal and 36.3 percent three-point shooting. Taurasi is also averaging 4.7 rebounds per outing.

Sure, she may not be the same player who won the MVP in 2009. There is no denying the fact that Taurasi is still a talented player, though. She will unquestionably play a massive role for the Phoenix Mercury once the WNBA season resumes, but she may end up positively impacting Team USA as well.