Team USA got back on track in its third game of the group stage in the FIBA World Cup. Against Czechia, head coach Kara Lawson once again stuck with the team’s starting five of veterans, with the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese coming off the bench.
Still, the two made a considerable impact in an impressive 105-64 victory over Czechia.
A Look at Angel Reese’s World Cup Performance Against Czechia
Team USA was led by Breanna Stewart, who scored a team-high 19 points and also chipped in 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Jackie Young and Napheesa Collier both scored 12 points each, rounding out a highly successful day for the starters.
However, the bench unit also made a big impact, led by Reese. The 24-year-old forward was dominant in the paint once again, and she was the team’s second-highest scorer on the day with 13 points.
The Caitlin Clark x Angel Reese connection is legit 🤝 #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/fh1VBUmeT5
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 7, 2026
Reese also had 6 rebounds and 3 steals in the game. She went an impressive 4-for-5 from the field but shot just 5-of-11 from the free-throw line.
While Team USA won big, fans continue to call for Reese and Clark to receive more playing time, as both are coming off of the bench behind the veteran-laden starting lineup.
Against Czechia, Clark finished with 9 points and 7 assists, while shooting 3-of-8 from the field. Coach Lawson has kept the same starting lineup for all three of the team’s wins: Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Stewart.
— Shabazz (@shabazzcaseshow) September 7, 2026
This comes after Clark had a forgettable 1-point game against Italy, as she shot 0-of-6 from the field. However, Team USA as a whole struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Italy, scoring just 11 points in the second quarter. Jackie Young was the only player to score in double-digits (10 points) in that contest.
The win against Czechia helped Team USA get back on track. While they had already qualified for the knockouts, this victory means they have secured the top spot in the group. Considering their star power and depth, Team USA is widely regarded as the favorite to win its fifth straight gold medal at the FIBA World Cup (although France looms as a top challenger).
However, there have been plenty of questions in recent days, especially given the manner in which they were pushed to the brink by Italy. Fans have consistently called for some of the younger stars to receive more playing time, and it will be interesting to see whether the coaching staff heeds that call in the knockouts.
