.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers turned a routine Team USA practice into an entertaining debate over the height of a basketball rim. The two WNBA stars were inspecting the basket when Reese suggested that it appeared lower than regulation height. Bueckers was not convinced.
There was only one way to settle it. With teammates looking on, Reese encouraged Bueckers to jump and touch the rim. The Dallas Wings guard accepted the challenge and made her attempt, but Reese was not satisfied with the result.
“That wasn’t enough, babe,” Reese said.
The WNBA shared the exchange on Instagram, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the atmosphere surrounding the American team at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The moment was playful, but it also illustrated how quickly a roster filled with players from different WNBA teams has developed a comfortable dynamic.
Reese and Bueckers bring different strengths to Team USA
Reese and Bueckers entered the tournament with different responsibilities, but both immediately made an impact. Bueckers scored 14 points, handed out four assists and recorded two steals during Team USA’s 94-61 opening victory over China. She shot 6 of 9 from the field in an efficient World Cup debut.
Reese supplied the physical presence.
The Atlanta Dream forward recorded five points, a team-high nine rebounds and one block in 16 minutes. She battled a Chinese frontcourt featuring 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu and 6-foot-8 Han Xu.
Both players came off the bench, showing the unusual depth available to coach Kara Lawson.
MORE: FIBA asks Paige Bueckers to explain viral moment with China’s 7-foot-3 star
The relaxed atmosphere at practice was tested in Team USA’s next game. Italy erased an early deficit and held the Americans to 29 percent shooting, forcing them to fight until the final possession of a 55-52 victory. Bueckers again scored 14 points, tying Zandalasini for the game high. Her ability to create offense became essential on a day when nearly every American shooter struggled.
The practice exchange also highlighted an important part of international tournaments that viewers do not always see. Team USA’s players spend most of the WNBA season competing against one another. Reese represents Atlanta, while Bueckers is one of the central figures in Dallas. At the World Cup, those rivalries must quickly become partnerships.
Reese’s challenge, Bueckers’ willingness to play along and their teammates’ reactions showed that the group is finding ways to enjoy the process. The Americans will face more pressure as they move deeper into the tournament. For a few seconds at practice, though, Reese and Bueckers were simply teammates trying to settle a very important argument about a rim.
English (US)