Paige Bueckers Joins Breanna Stewart as She Ties Group USA Blocks Lead With Fierce Defensive Stunt

Published On: September 8, 2026

Group USA‘s head coach Kara Lawson might have been underneath fireplace due to her desire for utilizing the younger stars in her squad fairly than those that are already skilled, however Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart are proving that she’s not making the flawed choices.

Following their shut 55-52 win towards Italy on Sunday, Group USA bounced again with a large win over Czechia on Monday, with Bueckers and Stewart preventing for each possession and doing their job in protection.

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Their efforts within the early proceedings of the sport noticed Bueckers and Stewart tie the crew lead for blocks.

In one of many performs shared by Group USA of their socials, Stewart blocked Czechia’s Petra Holesinska’s layup, adopted by one other block from Bueckers.

At a time when the crew is being criticized due to the absence of A’Ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum on account of their respective accidents, Bueckers and Stewart had been able to heed the decision, particularly Stewart, who’s anticipated to steer the crew as a veteran.

In the meantime, Bueckers is simply prepared to soak up every little thing in her maiden World Cup marketing campaign with the senior squad.

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“To be challenged like this early is nice for us in the long term”: Paige Bueckers downplays issues after slim win towards Italy

Earlier than Paige Bueckers and Group USA celebrated their comfy win over Czechia on Monday, they needed to undergo a needle on Sunday towards Italy. Nevertheless, the Dallas Wings celebrity did not really feel any strain or concern regardless of the scare the Italians gave them.

Jun 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) argues a name through the second half towards the Minnesota Lynx at School Park Middle. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-Imagn Pictures

With questions on Group USA’s younger weapons’ potential to take care of the physicality within the worldwide stage, Bueckers believes it is only a manner for them to understand the place they’re at and what else they should enhance on.

“I believe there’s studying experiences and development from each single recreation. However to be challenged like this early, for our group, I believe it is nice for us in the long term,” Bueckers mentioned. “I imply, we have been collectively right here for 5 days.”

It wasn’t a straightforward win for the Stars and Stripes as their younger stars Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, and Caitlin Clark mixed for simply 10 factors, whereas the complete crew shot a surprising 8% from the three-point line and 28.6% from the sphere.

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They now go right into a much-needed break as they look ahead to the winner between Hungary and Japan for a spot within the quarterfinals.

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