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00:02This is a place to be who you really are.
00:12The zone stymied us a little bit.
00:14We got a little stagnant and started to figure it out there at the end of the second quarter.
00:17And then Jackie Young was really solid for us as well.
00:20It also became more of a game when Zhang Ziu came in.
00:22I mean, guarding 7-3 is unprecedented.
00:24Did you like the physicality?
00:26Any changes when she enters the game?
00:27I mean, I thought Aaliyah Boston did a great job on her.
00:30And we're going to rotate those three on her.
00:32Just try to be as physical as we can.
00:34I mean, when she turns and shoots over you, there's nothing they can do.
00:36So we just say we'll live with those.
00:38And then just try to make her work running in transition on offensive defense.
00:42Thank you so much, Coach.
00:42Thanks, Al.
00:44Allie in the moonlight in Berlin.
00:48And everything that was said, Carol Austin talking about the transition.
00:53We saw the 10 fast break points to none.
00:55And in that second quarter, the zone stymied China Sun.
00:59But they also did a better job in the second quarter holding Xiyu Zhang or Lua in check.
01:07Eight points in that first quarter, just three in the second.
01:10Stewart goes around the world.
01:11Shot clock down to four.
01:13Gray fires at the three-pointer short.
01:17Starting five on the floor for the United States.
01:19All returners to the national team.
01:22This quintet was on the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal team.
01:27Copper scored ten points in clutch time in the fourth.
01:31One of three returners to the World Cup in 22.
01:34Jackie Young corrals the miss for the United States.
01:38Dashes the other way, deep in the paint.
01:40With the flick of the wrist, Jackie Young's got 12.
01:43Beautiful patience.
01:44Quick on the push, then surveying the floor, and realizes she has an opening in that single coverage.
01:51She's done so much for this group so far this game.
01:54Jackie Young at game high, plus 25 in 14 minutes for the United States.
02:00Honshu barrels against Stewart.
02:02Honshu shares it.
02:05Chen with the old board, but lost the handle on it.
02:08United States ball.
02:09And I love it.
02:10We heard Tina talking about Brianna Stewart during halftime as a stabilizer.
02:15It really is.
02:16That's such a critical point.
02:18Jackie Young, this group, I think this in the starting unit has been a bit of a stabilizing force for
02:24Carol Lawson,
02:24just getting things set when needed.
02:26Young has been a play that's huge part, as we heard Kara just tell Allie, of finding her spots on
02:32the floor.
02:34Copper gets downhill.
02:36In and out on the layup.
02:43Brendan Glasheen, Sarah Kustak, Allie LaFour, second half underway.
02:47Max Schmelinghall in Berlin, Germany.
02:50Three games we have covered for you today on TNT Sports.
02:53Shot clock to seven for China.
02:57Yang dishes on Honshu, missed it off the mark.
03:01Kalia Copper the other way.
03:04Young penetrates on the tightrope.
03:08Entry, Stewart, reverse layup.
03:13A tough move.
03:15I thought she was going to get the finish on that.
03:17Shoe showcasing, Honshu showcasing some of that size that can alter your shot a bit.
03:22An astute observation by Renee Montgomery in the pregame show.
03:26Only been three days for the U.S. to get acclimated with each other.
03:31Get used to those rims here in Berlin.
03:33But all 12 players did play in that first half.
03:36Carol Lawson was intentional, it seems, to get everybody in the game.
03:40Yeah.
03:40And we talked about intentional to get everyone in the game.
03:43You want everyone to get set, get a feel, and just get used to not only playing with one another.
03:49You said they had a light practice Tuesday.
03:51They're all getting there.
03:52Obviously, there was a break in the midst of the WNBA season.
03:55So, that's a huge part of just kind of switching gears.
03:59Not only with this group, but some of the favorite differences in the rims we talked about.
04:04Also, this is a different ball than these players play with in the WNBA.
04:09WNBA, there's eight panels.
04:11It's made by Wilson here.
04:14The game ball is made by Molten.
04:16There's 12 panels.
04:17There's some extra unique gripping with that.
04:20And so, it just, it alters things enough that I think the process of it, when you're in game action,
04:27you need to recognize.
04:28Collier sworn gray off on the fallaway.
04:33Changman man the other way for China.
04:36At one point in the second quarter, they used an 11-3 run to cut it to eight.
04:40Hanshu long two is off.
04:43Tipped and secured by Kalia Kopp.
04:45And part of that was the point that Kara was talking to with Ali.
04:48That zone, they're changed to zone, stymieing USA a little bit.
04:53The clean looks that they were getting, they weren't getting quite as well.
04:56More of those were some contested threes.
04:59A lot of time taken and shooting late in the shot clock.
05:02But once they figured it out, they had it rolling.
05:07China did see the United States in the 2022 World Cup gold medal game.
05:12The United States prevailed 83-61.
05:16That was a competitive game until the United States pulled away.
05:19Ironically enough, the two leading scorers in that game for the U.S., Asia Wilson with 19.
05:23Kelsey Plum at 17.
05:25And both were ruled out at the beginning of the week.
05:27Yeah.
05:28Pivotal players.
05:30No question.
05:31And really, you know, if you need a bucket, you can go to a Kelsey Plum.
05:35You can go to an Asia Wilson.
05:36But even when you go back to the last couple, and we're looking at World Cup play,
05:42but the Olympics, the World Cup, both Brianna, Stewart, and Asia Wilson,
05:47they won the last two MVPs to the course of Paris.
05:50They accounted for over 30% of the team scoring.
05:54So it goes without saying there are gaps that you just need to get used to
05:59when you have expectations of playing with players of that caliber.
06:03Chung Ziyu.
06:05Boston is embracing the challenge.
06:07Rips it away.
06:07Fresh into the game.
06:09Young in transition.
06:11Mid-range.
06:13Boarded by Hanshu and followed by Collier.
06:17I can't say enough with how impressed I am with the defense that Aaliyah Boston has played.
06:22Sometimes it comes up with stops and possessions like that.
06:25Other times it is just really working to do her work for some of these more sizable players
06:33I'm trying to get that type of positioning.
06:35Great crowd on hand at Max Schmelinghall, one of two arenas throughout this 2026 Feeble World Cup.
06:44Germany has built towards this moment to host.
06:47We will see them later today here on TNT Sports against Spain.
06:52That's our next ball game.
06:54Dashing to the basket.
06:55Great rim run by Wang Ziyu.
06:58China's first field goal of the third quarter.
07:00And Wang Ziyu has made a point of trying to attack.
07:03Some straight line drives.
07:04She's done it in transition as well.
07:05She hasn't always finished at the end of those plays, but that's what she is looking to do.
07:10Boston usually automatic from there.
07:12Missed it.
07:13Paige Becker's back in the game for the United States.
07:16Playing time limited with two personal fouls.
07:18You get five in FIBA as opposed to six in the WNBA.
07:22Collier draped all over Hans Schu.
07:25Spins.
07:26And stopped by Boston at the rim.
07:29The pace is being pushed by the U.S.
07:32No look.
07:33Pass to Howard.
07:36Tipped out by Boston.
07:39Howard passed up another try.
07:43Chelsea Gray calls for the high ball screen.
07:45Boston sets.
07:47Gray, the bounce.
07:48Howard is open.
07:53United States now seven of 22 from three.
07:57Howard has three of those three-pointers.
08:01Hahn.
08:02Got it.
08:05Hanchu has showcased a lot of different talents.
08:09Not just about her size.
08:10She's got a comfort in putting the ball on the floor.
08:14Hits some of those short-range looks.
08:16We've seen that in her growth and her time.
08:20Of course, playing for the New York Liberty.
08:26There's an aggressive.
08:28Watch her get into the basket.
08:30And Aaliyah Boston.
08:31Big-time block.
08:35She has been really pivotal, in particular, on that end of the floor.
08:38Hahn has not been shy to shoot the ball today.
08:42It's four of 11 from the floor.
08:44Eight points.
08:50There are no physical jump balls in FIBA.
08:56They go off the possession arrow.
08:58That could have been one, but...
09:00I think so.
09:01Number one, who's deep in here?
09:03Did you see?
09:04USA Basketball.
09:05Yeah, Reese and Boston both getting a hand on it off that play.
09:08It's called a very end.
09:10Oh, no.
09:12Yeah, it's a foul.
09:13Yeah.
09:13But I think there was a case for a jump ball.
09:15Oh, yes.
09:16I agree.
09:17I agree with you on both counts.
09:19I follow you.
09:22We had a long day together.
09:24Just getting started.
09:25But that's a case where the size, there's not a whole lot you can do.
09:31And the balance of trying to figure out how to be aggressive, how to still get your hand
09:36on the ball, but know that, you know, there's a difference in play between Chong and between
09:44Honshu.
09:45Like, the size, the versatility, the quickness, the lightness on the feed.
09:49Honshu, Honshu, shows a lot of different skill sets that I think Chong Ziyu is still trying
09:57to work into.
09:58There's a whistle away from the ball.
10:01No shooting foul.
10:04The United States, once led by 22 points, is down to 16.
10:10There was a body there by Chong Ziyu.
10:13Beckers navigates into the paint.
10:15Out with Boston.
10:15Three ball.
10:16It's good.
10:17Aaliyah Boston, 41% three-point shooter as a member of the Indiana Fever, without question
10:24a career high.
10:25Tremendous.
10:25And without question a career high, a huge aspect that she has added to her game.
10:30That's something that she worked on diligently over the course of the WNB offseason, through
10:36the unrivaled season.
10:37And not only to be able to have that as a threat in her offensive game, but to do so
10:43at 41%.
10:44It's been really fun to watch.
10:47If you have kept your eyes glued to social media in the days leading up to the FIBA World Cup,
10:54the Young and Turk crew is on the floor.
10:59Howard the stuff out there with Clark, Boston, Beckers, and Reese.
11:03Carol Lawson enjoys the engaged defensive effort.
11:08Yeah, and watch Ryan Howard just coming from behind to help, and that is a great read and
11:13communication between Reese and Howard.
11:16Reese knew exactly when she could leave because she saw Howard tracking from behind.
11:21Teammates with the Atlanta Dream.
11:22Clark finds Howard.
11:24Missed it strong.
11:26See the Ryan Howard block.
11:28She also leads the WNBA in steals per game at 2.3.
11:33So her defensive prowess is going to be necessary here for this group.
11:37Ja Sacchi with the flick on the left side.
11:40Clark comes up with the rebound.
11:42Pushes the other way.
11:44Passes up to three.
11:45Mid-range, Kaitlin Clark.
11:48She has added that to her game, more so this season.
11:52In her third pro year, Beckers, the snag, and the bucket.
11:55Paige Beckers is on the board.
11:58You know Beckers is always the mid-range master.
12:01That is her bread and butter.
12:03Right in the wheelhouse, a great job of getting a little bit of bucket.
12:07Every time China seems to build some momentum and make a run,
12:10USA has done a nice job in stagnating it.
12:13Now 10 United States players have scored.
12:17Boston is caught for a foul.
12:20Our colleague Candice Parker and Aaliyah Boston do a podcast together,
12:24and Aaliyah has said,
12:25I've been doing better, not crashing out.
12:27It's just your second.
12:31I think, too, and again, trying to come over, recover,
12:35that help forces some good position there by Chong and the Paige Beckers
12:39on the defensive side.
12:41Overall, though, I think that's a part of it, too, for these players.
12:44We mentioned a lot about five fouls as opposed to six,
12:49and also the added level of being able to be a little bit more physical,
12:52to be more aggressive.
12:53But I do think there is a balance and a great line of figuring out,
12:58okay, exactly what point can I push to,
13:01how much, whether it's on the ball, off the ball, the rebound,
13:03all of those things.
13:04And that's a part for USA in particular as well,
13:07the feel-out process that you're going through in these early stages.
13:12Chong Ziyu missed her first free throw.
13:14Clark pushed past Boston, streaks the floor.
13:17The Fever teammates connect on that trip,
13:20and it's back to the biggest lead, 22.
13:22Great rim run, the quick get-ahead.
13:25That's what you want to see more from USA in doing so,
13:28their ability to get out in the open court.
13:32Clark up to seven assists.
13:34And her senior national team debut was the FIBA qualifier MVP in San Juan.
13:43Chong Ziyu rises over Boston, stands tall, doing all she can.
13:48And there was a whistle on the floor prior to the putback by Chong Ziyu.
13:54Well, and that's tough.
13:54And you see Boston with her hands on her head,
13:57Carol Lawson the same.
13:59I think she's wondering what she's doing.
14:00She's trying to body up as much as she can.
14:02What else am I supposed to do?
14:03The verticality is a big part of it.
14:07Yeah, that's a tough call because I didn't see her with her hand much more on the ball,
14:13but that was the previous possession.
14:15A quick hit ahead by Kaitlyn Clark to Leah Boston.
14:18They have such a great continuity with one another.
14:21Of course, playing the WNBA season with the Indiana Fever.
14:26But overall, Clark's ability to advance the basketball, play at tempo,
14:33through her passing and facilitation and Leah Boston being such a great rim runner or something that makes them really
14:39dynamic duo.
14:40Both Clark and Boston spoke highly of one another.
14:43They said they named each other, but asked who were they most excited to share the floor with on this
14:49international stage.
14:51We highlighted this off the top.
14:53Asia Wilson is not competing at this Feeble World Cup.
14:57So Boston, Reese, they each have three personal fouls.
15:01Kiki Iriafen is called upon.
15:02She has not committed a foul.
15:04And Clark is fouled, shooting the three.
15:09The depth of that range will open some things up, and that's where it made tough for China when they
15:14wanted to be in a zone.
15:16But you mentioned that that's part of the process playing against China.
15:20How do you defend?
15:21How do you do the things you need to do while doing it cleanly, especially for these front-court individuals?
15:28How do you do the things you need to do while doing it cleanly, especially for them?
15:522021 earned gold, shared the floor with many on this team, including Becker's, Boston, and Howard.
16:03Yeah, VP of the qualifying tournament as well in Puerto Rico, leading USA in total points, assists, minutes.
16:09So she definitely made her presence felt in March.
16:14Clark is pestered, finds Becker's, drives, slithering, and scoring.
16:21Paige Becker's, her second bucket in the third quarter.
16:24Yeah, she's nice.
16:26She knows exactly where to get to, and she also has a great read and feel knowing that Chong's going
16:31to stay in that drawback on the inside.
16:34An easy little pocket for Becker's to put it through.
16:37The top mid-range players in the world.
16:40Paige Becker's, Iria-Fenn with the block, doing all she can, but Chong Ziyu with the second effort, now up
16:49to 11 points.
16:49And at some point, that's as much as you can do.
16:53Iria-Fenn deposits on the other end of the floor.
16:55So, exactly.
16:56How do you try and combat it?
16:58Well, you know what?
16:59Rim run.
17:00Use that speed.
17:01Kiki Iria-Fenn, despite not getting that stop at the other end, she puts on her jets and everyone's on
17:07the go.
17:08And for USA, that's just going to be the importance of how they need to play, especially against this China
17:13group.
17:13And the eighth assist for Clark, she has eight of the 18 for the United States.
17:19Howard deep in the paint, snagged it.
17:22Now the push she is fouled in transition.
17:2625-point lead for USA Basketball in the final minute of the third quarter.
17:32So, as I just mentioned, Ryan Howard leading the WNBA in steals per game, 2.3, just rips it.
17:40Allowed for a lot of runouts here for USA Basketball, and especially the liveliness and live legs of these post
17:48players for USA.
17:49They all understand where and how to get to, but they've got perimeter players that can deliver.
17:54Clark is the orchestrator.
17:56Iria-Fenn sets the screen.
17:58Clark is drifting with five to fire.
18:00Feeds Becker's outlet.
18:02Howard, three in the air is good.
18:04Howard's first three-pointer in the second half.
18:06She's got four for the game.
18:09And that is how the third quarter concludes a 28-point lead for USA.
18:15Chemistry, continuity, and connectivity by USA.
18:19It has all been finding offensive production through the past.
18:24And it's been fun to watch as they're getting their feet wet here in FIBA World Cup in Germany 2026.
18:43You trained all day.
18:45Your workout is over, but your night doesn't have to be.
18:49RK lets you celebrate, recover, and still show up strong tomorrow.
18:53Because champions don't train with hangovers, champions train different.
18:57Good understanding of what's expected of them as they begin this World Cup.
19:02And Kara Lawson herself as well.
19:04Not only now as a head coach, an assistant coach, gold as players, and the motor of Angel Reese.
19:12Everyone so far seems to just getting used to the understanding of roles and what's expected of them.
19:18And as Kara told our alley, LaFour said halftime.
19:21They were playing hard.
19:22And from the get-go, that's the most important thing of just setting the tone and your ferocity that you're
19:28stepping on the floor with.
19:31Angel Reese.
19:33The most rebounds in a single season in WNBA history and counting once she returns to the Atlanta Dream.
19:41Now 11 of 12 Americans have scored a 30-point lead.
19:47Fourth quarter is underway here in Berlin.
19:50An important yes in how they have built this 30-point lead.
19:54But I think overall, too, you look at the big picture of this tournament and making sure what you can
20:00do to get everyone as familiar,
20:03not only with one another, but with the play, getting themselves acclimated to game action has been really important here
20:11early on.
20:12Without a doubt, you consider Wilson, Boyd, but also Stewart and Collier did not play at the qualifiers.
20:18And San Juan, Puerto Rico, they've had these few days to ramp it up and get acclimated, not to mention
20:24seven brand-new players to the senior national team.
20:29Tang missed the jumper.
20:32Citron comes away with the ball.
20:36Angel Reese lost her shoe.
20:41You're leapfrogging in the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds.
20:45That could happen, I suppose.
20:46Her motor does not stop.
20:48And again, those are the important things for Kara Lawson and this crew, of how all the pieces continue to
20:56work to fit together.
20:59Five youngsters on the floor in their FIBA World Cup debuts.
21:03Dribble handoff from Mystic to Mystic.
21:06Citron missed the three.
21:10Citron, Beckers, Clark, Iriafen, and Reese for the United States.
21:17Chang Man-Man drills it.
21:19Nothing but net from deep.
21:24Just 30% of the qualifiers averaged eight points per game in her overseas action.
21:32Beckers absorbs.
21:34Clark's hit one three today.
21:36Back to Beckers.
21:38Midy, got it.
21:40And one, Paige Beckers.
21:41She's come alive in the second half.
21:43Six points.
21:44Tough play.
21:46I mean, Paige Beckers with her size, with her strength.
21:50She has added that strength and muscle coming into this WNBA season.
21:55You see it right there.
21:56She can stop on a dime.
21:59Realizes once she gets to her spot is so challenging for any defender to try and really put a good
22:05contest on to it.
22:08Beckers now up to seven.
22:09The lead back to 30 for the United States.
22:12Iriafen.
22:13Reach in foul.
22:17And Aaliyah Boston checks in for the aforementioned Kiki Iriafen for first exposure to the world stage.
22:25Kiki Iriafen, first person.
22:27It was at training camp with the senior team in December.
22:32Bernd Citron got the call late to replace Wilson and Plum.
22:36We approach eight minutes to play, fourth quarter.
22:41Lua has been stymied in the second half.
22:43Citron bully ball.
22:44Leads to a jump ball.
22:45No physical jump in FIBA.
22:48Go off possession arrow.
22:49And Sonia Citron, that is the expectation of what she can do.
22:53A big reason for her being amongst this group is how she can defend the strength that she brings.
23:01We're doing a lot of little things, especially on this defensive end of the floor with her size.
23:06Six foot one offers defensive versatility.
23:10There's versatility.
23:11She can guard multiple positions.
23:12Positionally, she is excellent.
23:15I mean, she is such a strong defender.
23:19And also her ability to knock down three-point shots and just slot and fit and rolls and creation on
23:25offense.
23:26As exciting as the offense has been, a great first test for the United States on the defensive end.
23:32They've held China to 27% shooting, 20% from three.
23:38Citron the catch.
23:39Looks to become the 12th player on the board for the U.S.
23:42And could not hit the layup.
23:45Those defensive numbers will be have also allowed for USA to play more in the full court and in transition.
23:51So when you look at the discrepancy, a fast break point, a big part of that has come down from
23:57the defensive USA.
24:02Rebound Reese puts the ball on the floor, motors the other way.
24:08But there you go, rip and run.
24:09And Angel Reese is excellent at that.
24:12You see that in the course of her WNBA career with the Atlanta Dream and just how she plays.
24:18But not only leading the league, the WNBA in rebounding, but she can get it and go.
24:24And that starts the break and it's something that is really pivotal when you want to play at pace.
24:30Reese is on her way to be the rebound leader in the WNBA for a third straight season.
24:38We get a timeout on the floor here in Berlin.
24:42We'll take it to you're watching the 2026 FIBO Women's World Cup on TNT.
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25:06Pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage of USA basketball games.
25:13Kaitlin Clark with a three-pointer early in the second quarter.
25:17Eight assists to lead the way for the United States.
25:20That's the big number.
25:21Eight assists.
25:22She leads the WNBA at assists per game with over eight.
25:26That was a huge fast of what she was able to do in that qualifiers in March that helped add
25:31to that MVP award.
25:34But overall, that's the expectation of what Kaitlin Clark will continue to bring to this group.
25:38Yes, it's those deep highlight three-point shots, how she stretches the floor with it.
25:44But because she can find her teammates, pass them open, it's going to be such a huge add to go
25:50along with the page-best checkers that can play on the ball.
25:53Chelsea Gray, of course, and how much she will be handling.
25:57Well, Citron digs in defensively.
26:00Boston checked in before the break for Eriafen.
26:03Honshu spins.
26:05Boston with the verticality on defense.
26:07Reese the rebound.
26:09China now one for five in this fourth quarter.
26:12And Beckers threw it away.
26:14Leak out.
26:15Lua lays it in.
26:17And overall for USA through the course of this game, absent of that turnover, they've done a nice job of
26:24taking care of the basketball.
26:27And you mentioned it.
26:28Yes, it's about this game right now as they sit with nearly a 30-point lead, but it's also about
26:34refining things for themselves.
26:36Clark in rhythm.
26:37Triple is good.
26:38Kaitlin Clark's second three in Germany.
26:41So the beauty of what we're talking about, with her and Paige Beckers both on the floor, I mean, what
26:46a tough matchup.
26:47Both can play on the ball, off the ball, find one another.
26:50Threats from everywhere.
26:52Now ten three-pointers for the United States.
26:56Clark has two.
26:57Howard with four.
26:59Meanwhile, China answers.
27:02Honshu from distance.
27:08Clark drifts.
27:10Big matched up.
27:14There's room for Reese to operate.
27:16Flicks with the right hand, and Angel Reese will go to the line.
27:21That switch out.
27:23Honshu out to Clark just really opens up the paint when a six-foot-six big is on the perimeter.
27:28That's the pressure you put in.
27:29And honestly, when you put those two in a pick-and-roll, and that's where USA and this group will
27:34continue to get even more and more sophisticated in their sets and their action,
27:40and what and how they run.
27:41There's going to be a lot of read and react, but there's also going to be opportunities to put players
27:47in situations like that where you can force big-time exploitation of trying to pull bigs out.
27:54And you know that's part of what USA can do.
27:57We've talked about this quite a bit and mentioned it, but this has been a very compact week.
28:03You're getting set to go over to Berlin.
28:05You're getting used to the time change, practicing, getting used to one another.
28:09So the install and everything that Carol Lawson wants to do with this group has been quick.
28:15And a part of that is just playing on the fly, learning on the process, especially in circumstances like this.
28:22Clark to flip to Beckers.
28:23Rise and fire.
28:25Reese with her seventh rebound.
28:28Uses her footwork to separate.
28:30Got it back again.
28:31The outlet to Clark.
28:33Bounce pass.
28:34Citron to Eryafen.
28:36Back to Citron with eight to shoot.
28:38Skip pass to Clark.
28:39Three in the air.
28:40Got it.
28:42What ball movement by United States.
28:45It's popping.
28:46It's moving.
28:47But everyone is in a rhythm and flow, finding where they can make themselves available.
28:53And eventually just working to get the best look.
28:56We've already talked about the difference in the ball.
28:58You, Brendan, mentioned this earlier.
29:00The three-point line also about two feet closer here in international FIBA play.
29:07So when we talk about the depth of range that so many of these shooters have, it also gives them
29:12a little bit more room to get that three.
29:16Eryafen with the pressure in the paint.
29:20Three members of the United States in double figures.
29:23Howard and Clark with 14 apiece.
29:25Young's got 12.
29:28Clark with the shimmy.
29:30Absorbs.
29:31Beckers is open.
29:32Back to Clark.
29:33Wide open.
29:34Look!
29:37Maybe too open.
29:39Shooting practice.
29:4382-50 inside.
29:45Four minutes to play in Berlin, Germany.
29:48First game of Group D play.
29:51U.S. and China.
29:52A rematch of the 2022 gold medal game.
29:57Clark slows the pace.
30:00Beckers with the handle.
30:02Going to school.
30:03Feeds it.
30:03Intercepted.
30:04By Han.
30:05Liko.
30:07Chang Man Man lays it in.
30:10Two points.
30:12Time out.
30:13USA next day.
30:14And United States takes the time out with 3.32 to play in regulation.
30:18We hide Berliner on the A, B, or C.
30:23Where is Berliner?
30:24And we verstecken Berliner wieder unter A, B, or C.
30:28Follow.
30:28Follow.
30:2930-point lead for USA Basketball.
30:33Stay focused.
30:33All but one has scored.
30:35I will ask you where she is.
30:36Of the 12 players on this squad.
30:38It's a storyline coming in.
30:41Nine players for the United States playing in their first ever FIBA World Cup.
30:46Seven new to the senior national team.
30:48Many were exposed to this international format in San Juan at the qualifier.
30:55Your assessment through about a full game now.
30:57It's not just about the 30-point lead.
31:00It's the process of how they got there.
31:02Not to mention some of the first experience for a lot of these players.
31:05But for USA, they have seven players under 27 years old.
31:09They have six players under 25 that side for the most since 1994.
31:15So there's a youthfulness.
31:16There is a feel-out process.
31:18So the fact they came out and it was a professional business-like approach.
31:22They set the tone early from the start.
31:24They understood exactly what the scouting report suggested in China trying to utilize that size.
31:32And overall, they've not only been impressed with the balance of it,
31:36but how they've done it on both ends of the floor.
31:38And that's how you want to see this group play.
31:42Are they playing to their DNA?
31:43Are they playing to the style that they're looking for and doing so with a level of efficiency?
31:47And I think so far in this game, you've got to be pleased with that.
31:52The unselfish play.
31:54You just saw Citron with the skip pass to Kaitlyn Clark, who has six points here in the fourth.
32:00Six of her 14.
32:0221 assists for USA on 29 made baskets.
32:07Clark maneuvers into the paint.
32:09Bounce pass to Beckers mid-range.
32:10Automatic.
32:12Beckers has nine.
32:13Clark with her ninth assist.
32:15And those are the things you love.
32:17ATO coming out of a timeout.
32:18Can you execute?
32:19Can you get the look you want?
32:20Great to see the ball go through, but just all of these individuals being in sync
32:26and knowing the optionality you have with these lineups.
32:30Clark and Beckers were both very excited to play with one another.
32:33They have experience dating back to their youth national days.
32:37Beckers and Clark both debuted in the red, white, and blue in 2017 at the youth level.
32:44And really for a lot of these players, we've continued to talk about it.
32:48Beckers, Clark, Boston, Howard, Citron.
32:51They won multiple golds with USA Basketball 2017 with the U16 gold in Argentina 2019, U19 in Thailand.
33:00And Brendan, you've taken us through all of this.
33:03It's, you know, a part of what USA has put together has been continuing to funnel towards what it feels
33:12like to put on that USA uniform,
33:14that jersey, the pride that goes along with it.
33:17And you see it for all these countries of just what it means and the honor that it is to
33:24be able to represent your country.
33:26Push pass by Reese into Eriathen.
33:28It's swatted out of bounds by China.
33:32China, we showed you the schedule earlier, important to take care of business in this game with an off day
33:37tomorrow
33:37and then a back-to-back Sunday-Monday.
33:40That's when it can get grueling, especially when you consider all 12 of these American players
33:46have played hefty minutes and big roles in their WNBA seasons.
33:50Exactly, exactly.
33:51And you want that balance to build.
33:53It was anticipated that China could be the toughest competition here for this USA group in their group play.
34:05But overall, it is about just continuing to maintain that freshness
34:11because you're going to need it through the course of this week.
34:15The officials having a meeting of the minds.
34:17Carol Lawson lauded free throws.
34:24As a result of the foul call, so Kiki Eriathen indeed heads to the free-throw line.
34:30Averaging about a double-double in Washington this year, 15-9.
34:37Han Shue is still trying to figure out the ruling.
34:43The United States has won 30 consecutive World Cup games.
34:47Their last loss was in 2006 in the semifinals against Russia.
34:53Now, the United States still won bronze, but Sue Bird, who played in that game, says she still loses sleep
34:59over it.
35:00It eats at her.
35:03And you can imagine that.
35:05Again, with that level of consistency, of course, the newly-tabbed managing director, Sue Bird.
35:13A resume that we can go on for the rest of this game about it, of what she has accomplished
35:18and what she has meant to USA basketball.
35:21But her understanding of what it takes to win at this level, at the highest level.
35:26And, yes, it's about talent and the wealth of talent, but also the chemistry of the group.
35:30And the fit in pieces of strength, of roles, of skills, of personality, disposition, all of those things.
35:37It's a very tall, tall task and heavy load.
35:41And done a tremendous job to this point.
35:44Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist.
35:48Spray it out.
35:48Off the backboard, Chen.
35:52Honchu celebrates her teammate.
35:5685-57, under two minutes.
35:59Clark is flirting with a double-double.
36:02Erya Fenn, the extra.
36:04Citron, the lob.
36:06Caught by Beckers.
36:07Nasty.
36:08She's got 11, the fourth USA player in double figures.
36:13That's just tough, but you get her in her spot where she is so comfortable.
36:18Those are the places on the floor that she becomes nearly unstoppable.
36:24And a turnover.
36:25Citron leads the break.
36:26Three on two.
36:27Beckers on the wing.
36:28In rhythm three.
36:29Got them all!
36:31Paige Beckers, 14 points.
36:3410 in the fourth quarter.
36:36All of her points in the second half.
36:37Hit the hot hand.
36:38I love to see it, but can we get Sony a bucket?
36:42Only one who hasn't scored yet.
36:45Contest by Beckers.
36:46It don't matter, though.
36:49Tough take of the paint.
36:52I won't see them call this up for Citron.
36:56Clark scans the landscape.
36:58Finds an edge.
36:59Feed to Reece.
36:59Lays it in.
37:00Caitlin Clark, her 10th assist.
37:02She's got a double-double.
37:04Finds Angel in the paint.
37:06Beauty of a play.
37:07And as USA is finishing this apart, just picking apart the China defense.
37:11Doing a lot of different ways.
37:15Reece with eight rebounds as well to lead the United States.
37:19And the block shot by Angel Reece.
37:22Clips it to Clark.
37:24Showtime.
37:25Citron is on the board.
37:26All 12 U.S. players have scored.
37:29What a play.
37:30What a block by Angel Reece to get that going.
37:35Huge aspect of this game.
37:36The defensive side here for USA has been really impressive.
37:42Folks, this is just game one of group play.
37:45And you're seeing a little bit of everything.
37:47The depth, the youth of this roster.
37:51Big time block.
37:52Beautiful bounce.
37:53Sonya Citron.
37:54Her first bucket here of the night to cap things off for all USA players.
38:00To be on scoring part of the box score.
38:05And you said it.
38:06I think that's the fun part.
38:07When you kind of step back and take away from what this first game looked like for USA.
38:11It's that they've hit on a lot of different cylinders.
38:14And showcased the versatility that you would anticipate out of them.
38:20Clark, 11 assists with the 14 points.
38:23Beckers with 14.
38:2510 in the fourth quarter.
38:26Shot clock is off.
38:30A 2022 FIBA World Cup gold medal game rematch.
38:34The U.S. won by 20 in that one.
38:37And they're up by 35.
38:40In the opening game of group play, Chung Ziyu is fouled.
38:44And we'll head back to the line where she's 7 of 8.
38:49Later today, we will see France.
38:51Many think France is the team that could threaten the United States the most.
38:57It's a very good deduction, especially considering the one-point defeat they had in Paris at the 2024 Olympic Games.
39:09And the depth of the roster, of course, led by Gabby Williams.
39:14But Dominique Falanga, he can go down the list of steep competition they will bring here.
39:21Step one of the journey to a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal complete.
39:27USA Basketball defeats China 94-61.
39:34Four Americans in double figures.
39:37Kaitlin Clark at a double-double, 14-11 carries over from her MVP at the qualifying tournament in San Juan.
39:45Becker's elite in the second half.
39:47Howard carried the load in the first half.
39:48Everyone played their role when needed to.
39:50It was timely baskets, passes, defensive stops.
39:53And these three showcased a lot of the reasons why you're excited, not only about this USA team and group,
40:00but the youth that they bring to the table that goes along with experience and talent.
40:06A nice way to kick things off.
40:08And that'll do it from Berlin.
40:10Our statistician, Kevin Barnes.
40:12Producer, Sean Meehan.
40:13For Sarah Kustak, Ali LaForce.
40:15And our entire crew, Brendan Glasheen, saying so long.
40:18Coming up after the break, it's the postgame show with Lauren Jabara, the great Tina Charles, and Renee Montgomery.
40:24We'll see you at 11.30 a.m. Eastern time for Spain, Germany.
40:29The 2026 Women's FIBA World Cup on TNT.
41:04First, you get hit by psoriasis.
41:07And now, you get hit again.
41:10This time, by joint pain.
41:12It's a double whammy.
41:13And now, you get hit again.
41:14If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below.