Team USA Bench Outplays Starters by 45 in 2 World Cup Games
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 6
Team USA Bench Outplays Starters by 45 in 2 World Cup Games
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 6
Summary
Team USA’s bench has emerged as the more effective unit through two FIBA World Cup games, posting a combined +30 against Italy while the starters were -15 in the near-upset.
Caitlin Clark leads that second unit’s impact at +36 over two games, the best mark on the roster, even after going without a field goal against Italy and still finishing +6.
The production gap also shows up in shooting: bench players have hit 40.8% from the field across two games versus 34.4% for the starting five.
Kara Lawson’s starters still bring international experience—all five won Olympic gold in Paris in 2024—but the faster-paced bench is strengthening the case for expanded minutes if close games continue.