Team USA just walked all over China in their World Cup opener, and seriously, it was a clinic, folks. The American youth squad, the “Young and Turnt” crew, absolutely ran the show, proving that head coach Kara Lawson isn’t afraid to let the rising stars shine bright on the international stage.
The “Young and Turnt” Crew Went OFF!
That first game against China? It was pure dominance, driven by our incredible young talent. Rhyne Howard, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark all went off for a team-high 14 points each. Howard was dropping dimes from downtown, hitting four 3s, and Clark, man, she was dishing out assists left and right, racking up 11 of them. But on the glass, it was all Angel Reese, who snagged a team-high nine rebounds like it was nothing. China literally had no answer for the quick chemistry and cohesion from Team USA, as they pinged the ball around the halfcourt with precision, leading to easy, wide-open looks. It was a beautiful thing to watch, no joke.
Lawson’s Big Decision: Youth Movement or Vet Presence?
Now, the second game against Italy is coming up, and honestly, it should follow the same script, maybe even be an even more authoritative win for the Americans, airing at 2:45 p.m. ET on TNT. Italy just doesn’t bring the physical edge that China theoretically could have, and they definitely lack the personnel to match Team USA’s incredible skill and athleticism. Their best bet? Praying for some 3-point variance and hoping they shoot way better than the abysmal 20 percent they hit against Czechia. The real question is how Coach Lawson uses this game. Does she keep leaning into the “younger, fresher legs”? Do we see even bigger minute loads for Bueckers, Clark, Reese, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron, giving the “Unc” generation some well-deserved rest? Or, knowing the tight matchups are coming, will Lawson give our Emerald City hero, Breanna Stewart, along with Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper, more run? Regardless of how the game’s trending, our very own Storm star, Stewie, and the other vets could easily get more action.
Either way, you can expect another red, white, and blue romp as Team USA confirms their standing at the top of Group D. Keep an eye on those young guns, but don’t count out our seasoned pros like Breanna Stewart getting ready for the tougher fights ahead. What will Lawson decide to do? That’s the real story to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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