Wings’ Paige Bueckers is leading Team USA in unexpected stat

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers has been active on the defensive side of the ball for Team USA, standing out with her performances in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Bueckers is going through her international tournament debut for Team USA, experiencing her first World Cup in Germany. She is on a star-studded roster that features her, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese, and Rhyne Howard among several others.

The U.S. just completed the group stage, winning all three of their contests against China, Italy and the Czech Republic. They generated plenty of offense, but they also put together quality performances on the defense.

Bueckers certainly stood out on that front. She didn’t record any blocks against China, but she went on to get two blocks each against Italy and the Czechs. This resulted in her having four blocks and counting, leading the entire team in remarkable fashion.

How Paige Bueckers, Team USA played against Czech Republic

It’s clear that Paige Bueckers has been a solid standout for Team USA. Her defensive performances have been beneficial, allowing them to close out group play with a dominant 105-64 win over the Czech Republic.

Six players scored in double-digits for the U.S. in the blowout win. Breanna Stewart was excellent as she led the team with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and a block. Angel Reese came next with 13 points and six rebounds, Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young scored 12 points each, while Bueckers and Sonia Citron delivered 10 points as well.

Team USA topped the Group D standings with six points to show for it. They finished above China, Italy and the Czech Republic in that order. As a result, they automatically advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The Americans will look forward to their World Cup journey in the knockout stage. They take on the winner between Hungary and Japan on Sept. 10.

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