Kara Lawson retains starting lineup for Team USA quarterfinal in Berlin

Team USA head coach Kara Lawson confirmed that the starting five will remain unchanged for Thursday’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinal against Hungary. Despite fan interest in shifting Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese into starting roles, Lawson intends to maintain the group that has led the team through the group stage. The starting unit features Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart. While the second unit has shown statistical effectiveness in bench minutes, Lawson cited the current rhythm of the starting lineup and the experience of the veterans in high-pressure tournament play as primary factors for her decision. Team USA enters this knockout stage matchup following a 55-52 victory over Italy. The quarterfinal game tips off at 5:30 a.m. ET in Berlin.

• 9:01 AMYahoo Sports — Coach Kara Lawson Confirms Caitlin Clark Will Not Start For Team USA Quarterfinal