Breanna Stewart does it all in Team USA’s bounce-back performance in win over Czechia at FIBA World Cup

· New York Post

Much has been made of the U.S. women’s national team’s “young-and-turnt” squad at this year’s FIBA World Cup. 

But the Americans’ dominant 105-64 win against Czechia on Monday was a reminder that this team is still led by the old guard.

The U.S. bounced back in a major way less than 24 hours after the Americans narrowly staved off disaster against Italy.

After Jackie Young was the only American to reach 10 points Sunday, the U.S. had six players finish in double figures against Czechia.

Breanna Stewart of the United States is challenged by Monika Fucikova of the Czech Republic during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match between USA and Czechia at Max Schmeling Halle on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images

Breanna Stewart led the U.S. with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in less than 17 minutes of action.

“That’s not bad,” Stewart said with a smile when the FIBA reporter read her stat line. “There’s a number of things that we can all do on this team. Obviously, when you’re playing with incredible talents, my teammates make it easy but trying to do the right things and really get the team going in a number of ways.”

Stewart called Sunday’s 55-52 win a “great test” for a team that rarely finds itself on the ropes. But Monday, she helped ensure the U.S. punctuated the group play stage with a resounding statement. 

After going an uncharacteristic 1-for-9 from the field Sunday, Stewart made eight of her 11 field-goal attempts against Czechia.

Her bounce-back reflected the team’s overall strong response to an off night.

Against Italy, the U.S. collectively shot an abysmal 28.6 percent from the field, with only one made 3-pointer.

It was a different story against Czechia.

The Americans pushed the pace more and dictated the game better. They scored 57 points in the first half — two more than they recorded Sunday — and led for all but 14 seconds of the contest.

The U.S. collectively shot 53 percent from the field and knocked in seven 3s. 

Czechia’s Eliska Joklova guards Jackie Young of the United States during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match in Berlin on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi

Angel Reese had 13 points and six rebounds. Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young added 13 points each.

Team USA took care of business so early that Stewart watched the final 15-plus minutes from the sideline.

“I wanted to come out and really lead this team in a number of ways,” Stewart said. “Obviously, last night was a close one … Italy’s a tough opponent, but wanted to make sure that today we really took things into our own hands and really led by example here.”

Coach Kara Lawson said the U.S. took a step in the right direction Monday.

“When you have a performance you’re not pleased with, the best thing to do is be honest and look at the areas you can improve and then grow and get better,” Lawson told reporters after the win. “I thought we did that tonight. We took some strides in transition on offense. We made some strides in our half-court offensive execution, in our defensive awareness, just all the things we’re trying to do and we need to continue to do that. I think our best is in front of us but we need to continue to have that mindset as we get ready for medal.” 

Angel Reese of the United States goes for a layup by Czechia’s Natalie Stoupalova during the Women’s Basketball World Cup match in Berlin on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi

The U.S. went 3-0 in group play and punched its ticket to the quarterfinals. The Americans will start the knockout round Thursday against the winner of Tuesday’s Hungary-Japan game.

“We know that pool play’s done now and gonna be ready for the quarterfinals to see whoever we face,” Stewart said. “But it’s do or die at this point.”