Team USA’s domination of Czechia was reflected in their 105-64 final scoreline. The highlight-reel plays started from the very first period when Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers combined for back-to-back blocks. However, the most memorable play from the game was Caitlin Clark’s dribble into an assist for Angel Reese. Yet, even after the big win, there’s plenty for Caitlin Clark and Team USA to figure out as the knockout stages are set to begin. Addressing the team’s chemistry, Clark gave her take in a postgame interview.

“I think you can see our chemistry slowly building. Obviously, we wanted to come out here. And we were all excited that we had a back-to-back and could get out and play again,” she said in a post-game interview with TNT Sports Allie LaForce.

“Obviously, after last night, we didn’t play our best. It wasn’t great at all. So I thought we were much better on the offensive end. Played with a lot more pace tonight. Played in transition better. Thought we were good on defense. Excited to have the bye and get ready for three more games.”

Team USA were coming off an uncharacteristic performance against Italy. While they beat Italy 55-52, it was the team’s lowest-scoring World Cup performance in 42 years. Their response against Czechia, however, reminded everyone why they’ve won the last four editions of the tournament.

Caitlin Clark contributed 9 points and a game-high 7 assists to the commanding victory. But her assists were not the only category she led. She also posted a +22 plus-minus rating across her 21 minutes on the court. That was the highest of any Team USA player, meaning her presence on the floor was the most impactful.

That dynamic speaks directly to the depth of talent on this roster. And one stat that illustrates it is the fact that all 12 players scored, with every player logging at least 10 minutes of court time. Veteran Breanna Stewart led the charge with 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while the young stars like Bueckers and Reese made their mark. Reese scored 13 points and six rebounds, followed by Bueckers’ 10 points and five assists, as Caitlin Clark played the playmaking role.

While Clark became the architect of USA’s offense, one play with Angel Reese stood above the rest. As shared by FIBA’s official channels, during the final minute of the contest, Clark executed a sharp crossover to shake off her defender at the perimeter before immediately flipping a precise pass down low into the paint, finding Angel Reese.

While Reese’s layups have been criticized in the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream star didn’t miss for Team USA. She collected it perfectly and converted the layup off the glass. The clip immediately went viral, and so far it’s racked up over 1.1 million views on X alone.

The perception of the dynamic between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, shaped largely by their intense WNBA rivalry. So it’s no wonder fans are loving how effective they can be when they’re on the same side.

Following the game, Clark admitted that with so many talented teammates by her side, she feels spoilt for choice when it comes to assists.

“I mean, you’ve got to get to play with so many talented players, that’s what makes it fun. Sometimes it’s hard to decide who to pass to because everybody’s so talented. Everybody’s able to create their own shot. So it’s fun to get to play in transition with these players.”

“A lot of them are my first time playing with. Some I’ve played with prior with USA Basketball. But I think that can really help us going forward. Getting out running in transition, picking the ball ahead, just trying to find everybody and set them up for easy baskets.”

As the tournament moves into the knockout rounds, that kind of unselfish, read-the-game approach from Caitlin Clark could prove to be one of Team USA’s most valuable assets.

However, after France’s most recent record-setting win, many, like former college basketball player turned TV and podcast host Rachel DeMita, believe Team USA needs to iron out thier flaws and ‘lock in’ if they want to defend their title. And despite the positives, Clark is still struggling in one area.

Caitlin Clark couldn’t solve her shooting troubles in the group stage

Although Clark’s singnature, high assists and playmaking style is intact, she is struggling with shooting efficiency in her first FIBA Women’s World Cup, especially when it comes to her three-pointers.

After going 0-for-3 against Italy, she struggled again from beyond the arc against Czechia, making just 1-of-6 from three-point range. Even in her best performance so far against China, where she scored 14 points and 11 assists, Clark went just 3-for-7 in three-point shooting.

In fact, her game against Italy was the first time Caitlin Clark had been held to zero field goals.

For a player whose offensive reputation is so closely tied to her ability to stretch the floor and punish defences from distance, the numbers are noticeable. It’s especially glaring because her WNBA shooting numbers are far better. Clark is fourth in the entire league with 2.9 three-pointers per game.

Of course, she still found meaningful ways to contribute against Czechia, and in a game as comfortable as this one, there was little need to force the issue when the shot was not falling naturally.

So while the 24-year-old is making her mark as a playmaker and leading Team USA in overall assists, she will need her shooting prowess to be at its best in the knockout stages. After all, as coach Jose Fernandez said, many of the other teams who have made it past the group stage have an advantage in team chemistry over the USA.