Caitlin Clark makes her opinion of Paige Bueckers crystal clear

Basketball fans around the world will be treated to seeing Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers play alongside each other. The All-Star guards may be rivals in the WNBA, but they are teaming up for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup. The Indiana Fever star shared her thoughts about the reigning Rookie of the Year from the Dallas Wings.

Clark delivered a historic performance, producing 14 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and three three-pointers on Friday against China. She became the first USA player to record a double-double in her World Cup debut. Bueckers chipped in 14 points as well, along with four assists and two steals in the 94-61 win. Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young also contributed significantly, finishing with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Team USA will next face Italy on Sunday with its sights set on winning its second straight game in the tournament. The Americans are also eyeing to win their fifth consecutive world championship.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) hug.

Caitlin Clark discusses Paige Bueckers’ game

Clark talked about how it is sharing the court with Bueckers. She highlighted how they grew up playing with and against each other and what the UConn product brings to the game.

“It’s really fun to play with Paige,” Clark said. “I’ve grown up playing against her and with her since a very young age. So very fun experience to be here. I think she’s one of the best off-ball players in the league. She cuts really well. She has great feel for the game. I think our chemistry has been really good and just gaining more and more momentum through that as we go through the tournament.”

Caitlin: “I mean it’s really fun to play with Paige. I’ve grown up playing against her and with her since a very young age.”

Paige: “We have great on court chemistry it’s natural and organic. It’s been a while since we played together but it’s almost like no time has passed.” pic.twitter.com/QuaU39ItJe

— correlation (@nosyone4) September 3, 2026

Bueckers responded to Clark’s comments by emphasizing their on-court chemistry.

“We have great on-court chemistry,” Bueckers said. “It’s kind of natural and organic. It’s been a while since we’ve played together, but it’s almost like no time has passed. With Caitlin, you want to run the floor, be a great wing, be a great cutter, move off the ball.”

Clark, Bueckers and Team USA will play three preliminary round games before the tournament shifts to the knockout stages. The quarterfinals is set for Sept. 10, and the gold medal game three days later.