Team USA's kids are all right as youth movement leads dominant effort to open FIBA World Cup

The U.S. women's basketball team, known for its talent development, showcased a stellar performance in the first game of the FIBA World Cup 2026. Head coach Kara Lawson started the match with a lineup consisting of five returning veterans, with a focus on the youth core to lead them to victory. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, a formidable backcourt duo, proved their worth with a combined effort of 14 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a 67% field goal percentage.

Despite China's strong performance, the U.S. team managed to outscore their opponents 41-26 during the third quarter and sealed the win with a final bucket in the last minute. With every player contributing at least 11 minutes to the game, there was no scarcity of talent on display. Young led all veterans with 12 points, while Stewart scored seven points and grabbed seven rebounds.

The performance of the younger players, particularly the backcourt duo of Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, is a cause for great anticipation. Both players have experience in youth national teams and are poised to make their mark in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Their ability to facilitate the ball and penetrate the paint, combined with Clark's exceptional playmaking skills, makes them a promising duo for the future of Team USA.