Team USA’s practice on Tuesday featured an intense matchup between teams, respectively led by Angel Reese and her rival, Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever point guard was grouped together with Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers and Monique Billings. Reese, Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young were Clark and Co.’s opponents.
During one play, Bueckers, after getting blitzed, passed the ball to Iriafen, who bulldozed her way into the basket against Reese. The Chi Barbie fell to the floor, prompting reactions from fans.
One fan wrote:
“Some people get buckets… some people get the floor.”
Another fan added:
“Angel’s defense is always horrible.”
One more fan continued:
“Floppin in practice like that. Naw…”
Another fan commented:
“Kiki bulldozen Angel!”
One fan tweeted:
“Angel got bodied.”
Iriafen was called for an offensive foul against Reese, who many thought flopped to get the call. Some saw the play unsurprising as they considered Reese a poor defender, while others gave Reese her flowers for forcing a turnover on Iriafen.
Team USA coach Kara Lawson keeps the roster engaged and intense by lining up different groups. Sometimes, Lawson would have Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, Paige Bueckers and Rae Burrell, senior team debutants, go up against the veterans.
In some other instances, Lawson, who also coaches Duke’s women’s basketball, would mix veterans and emerging stars on one team. Lawson has a star-studded team to work with, so she’s experimenting with the lineup’s versatility and depth.
Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Team USA Favorites To Dominate FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament
Team USA is missing veteran international basketball stars such as A’ja Wilson and Breana Stewart, but it has no shortage of talent. The Americans remain favorites to win the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. FIBA featured an article on Sunday, calling it an “epic shock” for the Americans to lose a game.
The same story highlighted the Americans’ new generation of stars led by Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. Clark is described by the report as one of the few “high-profile superstars,” who “at least lives up to the unprecedented hype and anticipation.”
Clark, Bueckers and Reese have been rivals since their collegiate days. They are setting aside that competition for a chance to bring glory to Team USA in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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