Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers lead Team USA past Czech Republic
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 7:15 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Team USA holds a 57-33 lead over the Czech Republic at halftime in the FIBA World Cup group stage. Breanna Stewart has anchored the performance with 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while also working defensively alongside Paige Bueckers to tie the team's block count during the first half. Head coach Kara Lawson has maintained her veteran starting lineup despite public discourse regarding the inclusion of younger players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Bueckers. The USA previously secured a narrow victory over Italy following a late jumper from Stewart. The Czech Republic is already eliminated from the competition after a winless run in the group stage. Team USA moves into the quarterfinals this Thursday.
- •Team USA leads the Czech Republic 57-33 at the end of the first half.
- •Breanna Stewart recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists by halftime.
- •The Czech Republic is eliminated from the tournament after failing to secure a win.
- •Team USA begins quarterfinal play on Thursday.
- 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Paige Bueckers Joins Breanna Stewart as She Ties Team USA Blocks Lead With Fierce Defensive Stunt
- 12:40 AMYahoo Sports — Cameras Catch Breanna Stewart Tying Team USA Blocks Lead in Fierce Defensive Stunt With Paige Bueckers
"While Team USA head coach Kara Lawson has been criticized on social media for starting the veterans over the young stars, she hasn’t missed when it comes to starting three-time World Cup winner Breanna Stewart. To add the cherry on top, Stewart had some fantastic sequences with the second unit during the game against the Czech Republic, and her defensive chemistry with Paige Bueckers is proof of that.
"Team USA’s head coach Kara Lawson may have been under fire because of her preference for using the young stars in her squad rather than those who are already experienced, but Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart are proving that she’s not making the wrong decisions. Following their close 55-52 win against Italy on Sunday, Team [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 7:15 PMPaige Bueckers Joins Breanna Stewart as She Ties Team USA Blocks Lead With Fierce Defensive Stunt
Team USA’s head coach Kara Lawson may have been under fire because of her preference for using the young stars in her squad rather than those who are already experienced, but Paige Bueckers and Breanna Stewart are proving that she’s not making the wrong decisions. Following their close 55-52 win against Italy on Sunday, Team [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 12:40 AMCameras Catch Breanna Stewart Tying Team USA Blocks Lead in Fierce Defensive Stunt With Paige Bueckers
While Team USA head coach Kara Lawson has been criticized on social media for starting the veterans over the young stars, she hasn’t missed when it comes to starting three-time World Cup winner Breanna Stewart. To add the cherry on top, Stewart had some fantastic sequences with the second unit during the game against the Czech Republic, and her defensive chemistry with Paige Bueckers is proof of that.
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