SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The U.S. women’s national basketball team celebrated their second victory in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers by defeating Puerto Rico 91-48. However, the game wasn’t a smooth ride.
“I thought the game was a little clunky,” said Caitlin Clark, who managed eight points after a strong double-double performance in her first game in eight months. She felt the team didn’t play at its best.
In contrast to their fiery offense against Senegal just a night earlier, Team USA struggled against Puerto Rico. Miscommunication led to 14 turnovers, disrupting their flow.
Clark noted that Puerto Rico’s defense caused some issues, slowing down Team USA’s pace. Yet she also pointed out that many of their mistakes were self-inflicted. “We missed some defensive coverages, which limits us in transition,” she explained.
Coach Kara Lawson agreed, stating, “It’s a mix of our reactions and understanding on the court. When facing a skilled opponent, they can exploit our mistakes.”
Despite having top-notch players, the team is still building chemistry and figuring out their identity. Their match against Senegal was the first real game against another national team, which made this tournament essential for development, even though they’ve already qualified for the World Cup.
“This tournament is our only chance before the World Cup to play actual games in a competitive setting,” Lawson said. “It’s about gaining experience and fostering team chemistry.”
Lawson is also experimenting with different starting lineups and rotations. Against Puerto Rico, she changed up the group significantly, featuring Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Monique Billings, and Kiki Iriafen.
Bueckers led the scoring with 16 points, while Plum contributed 12, showcasing their offensive potential. Iriafen didn’t miss a shot, scoring 10 points while also grabbing five rebounds. Angel Reese added a double-double with 10 points and 13 boards.
Lawson remarked on the adjustment players need to make as many of them are accustomed to being top scorers on their WNBA teams. “They’re all trying their best in different roles.”
The team has three more games in San Juan against Italy, New Zealand, and Spain before the World Cup starting September 4 in Germany.
### Why This Matters
The U.S. women’s team isn’t just playing games; they are in a crucial phase of development. This tournament serves as a vital opportunity to test strategies and build a cohesive unit. With rising competition globally, maintaining that on-court chemistry is more important than ever. According to a recent survey by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), participation in women’s basketball is growing, with a 30% increase in players worldwide over the last five years. This enhances the challenge that teams like the U.S. face on the international stage.
As teams evolve, every game becomes a stepping stone towards success, especially in a sport as dynamic as basketball.
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