Chicago Sky star Angel Reese had another noteworthy performance for Team USA on Sunday. The two-time WNBA All-Star came off the bench against New Zealand, registering nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, to go along with four rebounds, two steals and two blocks in just 18 minutes of action.
In four games played, the Sky forward is averaging 7.5 points, a team-high 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 16.3 minutes per contest.
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Team USA scored another dominant win, blowing out New Zealand, 101-46. The Americans improved to 4-0 in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. They will be looking to make it four wins in a row on Tuesday in their final game against Spain.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) walks on the court during a game.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Team USA has already qualified for the World Cup in September, even before this current tournament started. They punched their ticket to the World Cup by virtue of their AmeriCup championship last year.
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Team USA has been experimenting with her lineups throughout the tournament. They have fielded four different starting lineups in four games.
Reese got the nod to start in her Team USA debut. She was a starter in the opening game against Senegal as the U.S. secured a 110-46 victory. Reese logged six points and eight rebounds in the win.
On Sunday, Team USA went with a starting five of Caitlin Clark, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Monique Billings and Dearica Hamby. While most fans were delighted to see Clark get her first start for Team USA, more than a few supporters could not help but focus on Reese.
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The fact that Reese was omitted from the starting five for a third straight game caused quite a stir on social media.
“Billings over [Reese] is diabolical,” complained a fan.
“No way!!!!!!!!! 😒” agreed another.
“Starting Billings over Angel? 🧐” a user wrote.
Other supporters were quick to point out the constant changes in the lineups.
“it’s ok. They will all play,” said a fan.
“they’ve been switching the lineups everyday,” another said.
“it doesn’t matter who starts,” declared a user.
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A few others just could not agree on whether Reese deserves a spot in the starting lineup.
“anyone over Reese is good. Bad attitude sucks the energy out of a team,” argued a viewer.
“ANGEL BRINGING the energy blocks/points and rebounds! 🔥” another stated.
“Still need to see Paige, Angel and CC in the starting lineup together 👀” demanded another.
Whatever the case might be, Reese has made her mark in her first international tournament. It remains to be seen if she will be reinserted into the starting five on Tuesday against Spain.
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Related: Angel Reese’s Actions Toward Caitlin Clark Draw Attention
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.