Team USA was the heavy favorite in its first game at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Although everyone knew the possible outcome, everyone was looking at the game, assessing the performances of the future stars of Team USA. Players in focus were Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen and Angel Reese.
During her interview, Clark revealed her bold plan to win gold medals at the Olympic level and with her performance in the debut game, she showcased her seriousness about fulfilling that dream. Fans loved her performance, but another thing that caught fans’ eyes was her connection with a player at Team USA.
Fans React To Caitlin Clark-Rhyne Howard Chemistry
Team USA’s 64-point victory over Senegal was a story of five debutants, and the Fever guard was the one who stood out in the opening game. She scored 17 points and provided 12 assists in the game. Although her passes found nearly every forward on the line-up, she made most assists to Rhyne Howard, who scored nine points off CC’s three assists.
Monique Billings also received three passes from the playmaker; she was more of a post-up player and netted all layups. Fans cheered her every basket and also pinpoint passing that helped the side record a win over Senegal.
Perfect start in Puerto Rico.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 13, 2026
🇺🇸#USABWNT x #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/HApJxeP6rp
WNBA fans, though, pointed out a great connection between Rhyne Howard and CC and presented an idea of combining the duo at the Fever franchise in the free agency.
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A fan wrote, “Caitlin and Rhyne have insane chemistry.”
Caitlin and Rhyne have insane chemistry.
— suns is watching B12 basketball (@antivirgosuns) March 11, 2026
Another fan added, “Rhyne to the Fever agenda started today during that game.”
Rhyne to the Fever agenda started today during that game
— tek 👾 (@baby22goat) March 12, 2026
One fan mentioned, “They respect each other’s games.”
They respect each other’s games
— Jo (@Jo665456752) March 12, 2026
Another fan said, “I’ve always said she’d be a great fit with her.”
I’ve always said she’d be a great fit with her
— NY or Nowhere 99 (@eab2121) March 11, 2026
A fan commented, “The chemistry is there because she knows exactly how C operates.”
Rhyne made it her personal life’s mission to lock down CC last year. Gotta give it to her, she studied CCs game like a phd candidate. The chemistry is there because she knows exactly how C operates, when she needs to be and when to get one of those tasty CC dimes. Howard 2 Fever!
— LAD2024WSC (@CCFC_LAD_LARAMS) March 12, 2026
While fans connected many free agent names, including Azura Stevens, to the Indiana Fever to form an offensive trio along with CC and Aliyah Boston, the former Iowa star understands the difference in her roles for the national team and the Indiana Fever.
Caitlin Clark Gets Real About Her Role In Team USA
As much as fans were excited to see the Fever guard on the floor and score her dagger three pointers, the player thought opened up on the difference between playing for her WNBA team and for the national team.
“This is such a different scenario for me, rather than the WNBA season, when a lot is kind of on my shoulders to create and do a lot of things. Obviously, here you’re surrounded with 11 other players that are so, so talented, people that have won gold medals. So my focus, more than anything, was just play really fast, play up tempo. I know that’s what I’m good at and what I can bring to this team,” Caitlin Clark added.
Caitlin Clark today vs Senegal:
— WNBA Louvre (@WNBAlouvre) March 11, 2026
17 Points
12 Assists
3 Turnovers
19 Minutes
First game in 8 months 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Uu6r67Ew8M
In the opening game, CC was leading the second unit for Team USA, and Coach Kara Lawson also put her in charge for most of the game. The coach added that, as dynamic a scorer as Clark is, she’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the world as well.