The United States women’s basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup following a commanding 105-64 victory over Czechia in Berlin on September 7. The win extended the U.S. team’s winning streak in World Cup play to 33 consecutive games. Having completed an undefeated run through Group D, the Americans are scheduled to face Hungary, led by Dorka Juhasz, on September 10.
As the knockout stage approaches, questions have emerged about potential lineup adjustments, particularly regarding the starting point guard role. Chelsea Gray, the current starter, has demonstrated strong leadership and extensive experience with the senior national team, but her offensive output has been modest so far. Over three games, Gray has averaged 3.6 points on 31% shooting and one assist in about 16 minutes per game, a notable decline from her performance during the FIBA Qualifying Tournament earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark has been a key contributor off the bench, leading the team with 6.3 assists per game and averaging eight points despite a lower shooting percentage of 27.3%. Clark’s playmaking skills have injected pace and movement into the offense, as highlighted by a 14-point, 11-assist double-double against China. However, her offensive struggles against Italy, where she failed to score a field goal, coupled with Gray’s clutch defensive play and game-winning basket in a narrow 55-52 win, have complicated decisions about adjusting the starting lineup.
Coach Kara Lawson’s reliance on a veteran-heavy lineup in critical moments suggests caution in altering established rotations. Not only Clark, but other younger players such as Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese have seen limited time in late-game situations, indicating Lawson’s preference to lean on experienced personnel during closing minutes. Nevertheless, Clark’s consistent court vision and ability to elevate her teammates may yet earn her a starting role as the competition intensifies.
In addition to Clark, attention has also turned to Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers for their impactful contributions. Reese has excelled defensively and in drawing fouls, registering four steals, two blocks, and multiple deflections through three games. Her vocal presence on the floor has helped shift momentum in favor of the U.S. team. Bueckers, nicknamed “Paige Blockers,” has been productive both offensively and defensively, averaging 8.5 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in recent outings, including a strong second-half performance against China.
Looking ahead, France is viewed as the most significant threat to U.S. dominance at the World Cup. The two teams faced off in a tense Olympic final in Paris earlier in 2024, where the United States narrowly secured an eighth consecutive gold medal. France’s high-scoring offense, spearheaded by Gabby Williams, Dominique Malonga, and Marine Johannes, has averaged over 100 points per game in the tournament so far. Defensively, France has applied intense pressure, forcing an average of 21 turnovers per game and limiting opponents to a 34.1% shooting percentage. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive disruption positions France as a formidable challenge as the tournament progresses.