Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are two of the most popular young stars of the WNBA. Both of them are currently in Berlin as part of Team USA, which is looking to snag its fifth straight gold medal at the competition.
While the two stars are yet to start for Team USA, Bueckers and Clark shared a hilarious pre-game ritual before their team’s group-stage clash against Italy.
WNBA Fans React To Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark Warm-up Shenanigans
Team USA sailed past China in their first game, 94-61, prompting a range of fans to call for Clark to start their next game against Italy. While that did not happen, Clark did share a hilarious pre-game routine with Bueckers.
The two were initially seen running alongside each other, with a beaming Clark mirroring the Dallas Wings star. Later, they stood shoulder to shoulder and were seen laughing together, and a clip of the moment quickly went viral.
Reactions on social media immediately poured in. One fan claimed that the World Cup should simply never end as it allows some of the WNBA’s best players to play alongside each other, writing, “Oh World Cup, I love you please never end.”
oh world cup i love you please never end pic.twitter.com/L4JNkuKCzG
— b (@screenrambles) September 6, 2026
Meanwhile, another user pointed out that the two were firmly part of the WNBA’s future. “WNBA future is exciting to watch,” they wrote.
WNBA future is exciting to watch pic.twitter.com/LxtoBhGuMz
— ericaf455💙 (@ericaf455) September 6, 2026
Another social media user compared the duo to Stephen Curry and LeBron James at an NBA All-Star Game.
https://t.co/8J0dtj9fuG pic.twitter.com/yYW7L2TX6G
— • 🦑 (@magnetballer) September 6, 2026
Meanwhile, another fan questioned the media reports of the two players not getting along with each other, writing, “‘Paige can’t stand that girl’ but yet when they’re together it’s just two zero year olds being silly.
Another user praised their friendship, writing, “BESTIES.”
BESTIES pic.twitter.com/tEKIa1NNC8
— Jack (@JackTomo7139) September 6, 2026
Finally, another fan claimed that the two were merely making sure viewers were not left disappointed, writing, “The duo everyone wanted, making sure nobody is disappointed.”
The duo everyone wanted, making sure nobody is disappointed😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/iNA88d4cx3
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) September 6, 2026
Needless to say, there have been plenty of calls from fans to start the likes of Clark and Angel Reese, especially, with Bueckers largely expected to continue making an impact from off the bench.
Bueckers scored 14 points and had four assists against China, while Clark won the Player of the Game award with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists. Hence, while they will enter the third game of the tournament still looking for their first start, there is little doubt that the duo has already begun to make an impact on the court.
