Melding newcomers with experienced vets keeps US golden

United States' Sue Bird (6), center, celebrates score by teammate Jewell Loyd (4) during women's basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

United States' Jewell Loyd (4), center, brings the ball upcourt during women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

United States' Chelsea Gray (8) aims to shoot past Nigeria's Amy Okonkwo (0) during women's basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

United States' Ariel Atkins (7), center, celebrates with teammates after their win in the women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

United States' A'Ja Wilson (9) blocks a shot by Japan's Yuki Miyazawa (52) during a women's basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via AP)

United States' Jewell Loyd (4), left, reacts as she watches a shot during women's basketball preliminary round game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)