Two icons who had been thriving alone in their spaces all along are finally learning to work as a pack. Team USA’s Project Avengers for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers in San Juan is turning out to be a huge success, with three consecutive wins and a latest over Italy. Behind it is the developing bond between the players, especially two arch-rivals, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Now, everyone knew that Clark and Reese being on the same team would take its toll, given the players’ historic rivalry dating back to their collegiate days. But as reality set in, the tables turned as CC and ChiBarbie didn’t just manage to co-exist but dominate the court like no other. It was quite prevalent in the first game against Senegal when Clark effortlessly found Reese near the paint, who, in turn, scored a layup and immediately raised her hand towards Clark for acknowledgement.

It was quite the same during the latest game against Italy on Saturday. Clark drove towards the basket aggressively when she again found Reese just inside the paint. The Sky forward missed the layup this time around, but this developing chemistry and effortless passing between the two in fast offensive transitions without any ego clashes is what’s a major W for Team USA. An X handle shared a clip of this play sequence featuring CC and Reese. “CAITLIN CLARK TO ANGEL REESE 🔥” the post’s caption read.

Clark and Reese’s chemistry stole the spotlight against Senegal when the Indiana Fever forward came to Reese’s defense after a call against the Chicago Sky forward. It was during the fourth quarter of the game when Reese went for a layup but was blocked. The possession was, in turn, given to the Senegal player, Khadija Faye, prompting Reese to confront the referee, arguing that she was tipped and fouled.

To everyone’s surprise, Clark immediately joined Reese on the call, clearly indicating the growing trust between them after being rivals for so long. Along with Clark and Reese, another debutant, Paige Bueckers, has seamlessly gotten into the mix, syncing well with her new teammates and going on an impressive scoring spree throughout the tournament.

It’s a dynamic reminiscent of NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose bitter Lakers-Celtics rivalry defined an era until they set aside egos to co-captain the 1992 Dream Team, leading USA Basketball to Olympic gold with unmatched chemistry.

Just as Magic and Bird’s partnership redefined rivalry for a greater cause, Clark and Reese’s bond hints at similar potential on the international stage.

CC continued her good form against Italy as Team USA clinched a 93-59 blowout. She logged in just over 22 minutes in the game, scoring 12 points, dishing out 5 assists, and recording 5 steals. Reese, on the other hand, was formidable on the board, recording 7 defensive rebounds along with chipping in with 5 points.

Bueckers and Kahleah Copper were other major contributors from the game and finished the night with 12 and 15 points, respectively. All in all, the team recorded immensely impressive offensive numbers, scoring 34 of 56 from open play and converting 11 of 21 from the deep.

This strong offensive outing defined the night for Team USA. But going ahead, there’s a lot more to do for the US team, especially Clark and Reese.

What’s next for Caitlin Clark and Team USA at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers?

After three consecutive wins, Team USA has looked like a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. With Clark scoring effortlessly in her first international tournament, the job has been a little bit easier for them. But the team hasn’t even faced its strongest opponent in the tournament yet.

The contest against Spain is the crown jewel of the San Juan bracket of the qualifiers, and rightly so. Two top unbeaten and high-ranked teams going against each other, the stakes can’t get any higher. Like the US national team, Spain has clinched blowout wins over Senegal and Puerto Rico in its opening two games in the tournament.

With players like Megan Gustafson and Maria Araujo, the team poses a serious threat on offense and can severely hurt Team USA with fast offensive transitions. But with the group of avengers that Team USA has, it would be even more difficult for an in-form team like Spain to counter them. That game is scheduled for March 17 at 5 p.m. ET.

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But before that, Caitlin Clark and Team USA’s immediate concern is New Zealand, a team that has yet to open its winning account in the tournament. With the game set to tip off on Sunday, what are your expectations for CC and Team USA in this game? Do let us know in the comments.