Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers show growing chemistry before USA-Spain semifinal

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers looked completely comfortable together while warming up before Team USA’s World Cup semifinal against Spain.

The two guards held hands to maintain their balance, stretched together and mirrored the same exercise while standing face-to-face. Their smiles and relaxed body language made the routine feel more like a moment between increasingly comfortable teammates.

Clark and Bueckers have frequently been presented as rivals and representatives of different generations of women’s basketball. With Team USA, however, they have spent the tournament learning how to play alongside each other.

That connection is also becoming visible during games. Clark often controls the ball while Bueckers moves alongside her, giving the United States two young guards capable of creating opportunities for themselves and their teammates.