Paige Bueckers gives Team USA an unlikely defensive edge at World Cup
The Dallas Wings guard has four blocks in three games, leading Team USA in blocks per game as fans adopt the nickname “Paige Blockers”.
Paige Bueckers is making a defensive impact for undefeated Team USA at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, recording four blocks across the side’s first three games.
The Dallas Wings guard had two blocks, 10 points and five assists in Team USA’s victory over the Czech Republic. Her four blocks give her a team-leading average of 1.3 per game at the tournament.
The figure has drawn attention partly because Bueckers is listed as a 6-foot guard, rather than a traditional interior defender. Fans have responded by jokingly calling her “Paige Blockers”, while others referred to her record of leading UConn in blocks during the 2023–24 season.
According to Yahoo Sports, Bueckers is averaging 10.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while playing just under 20 minutes per game.
Bueckers and Caitlin Clark have been used as key bench contributors for Team USA, which remains undefeated in the tournament. The available report does not provide the Czech Republic game’s date, final score or Bueckers’ total minutes.
