Despite not being starters at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese have emerged as vital contributors off the bench for Team USA. Now three games into the tournament hosted in Berlin, their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the team’s dominance in Group D play.
The trio’s bench production has matched the output of the starting lineup, providing head coach Kara Lawson with a depth advantage that few other teams can rival. Their performance underscores the strength and versatility of the American roster as they navigate the early stages of the competition.
Caitlin Clark Leads Team USA in Assists at the FIBA World Cup
Caitlin Clark has stood out as the most impactful player among the three bench stars. She is averaging an impressive 6.3 assists per game, leading the team in this category, and boasts a team-best plus-minus rating of +58. These statistics significantly surpass those of starter Chelsea Gray, who is averaging 3.7 points and just one assist per game.
Paige Bueckers has also delivered strong performances, converting 59.1% of her shots— the highest shooting percentage on the roster. In addition to her scoring efficiency, Bueckers leads the team in defensive stats with 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Meanwhile, Angel Reese provides a robust presence on the boards, ranking second in total rebounds while maintaining a 57.1% shooting accuracy.
Considering the relative youth and inexperience of these players, their contributions become even more notable as they help sustain Team USA’s momentum throughout the group stage.