Team USA's decision to keep Caitlin Clark on the bench for the start of their FIBA World Cup campaign against China ignited a firestorm of criticism from WNBA fans on social media. The move, which saw veteran players begin the game, contrasted with Clark's recent standout performances for the Indiana Fever.
Coach Kara Lawson opted for an experienced starting lineup, including Chelsea Gray at point guard, alongside Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young. This choice meant that Clark, along with other emerging talents like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, began the game as reserves. Fans expressed frustration online, with many arguing that Clark's recent form warranted a starting position.
"We get it, seniority instead of performance," one fan commented on social media. "Hopefully doesn't hurt them." Others were more direct, stating, "Caitlin Clark should be starting without a doubt…" Some critics labeled the decision "moronic" and suggested that Clark not starting was "proof the wnba has a problem."
Fans also voiced concerns that the team might be "playing with fire," anticipating tougher matchups later in the tournament. Despite the controversy, Team USA secured a decisive 94-61 victory over China. Clark, coming off the bench, contributed significantly with 14 points and 11 assists, leading the team in scoring alongside fellow reserves Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard.
Prior to the game, Lawson had lauded Clark's readiness and potential impact. "Caitlin's focused. She's had a great campaign with Indiana. I've gotten to watch her a lot in person this summer. So she's locked in and ready to go," Lawson stated. "She's somebody that can change games with her ability to create pace, her ability to score, playmake, and so that's something that is gonna be a great fit for the personnel that we have on this team."
Lawson also acknowledged the unknown factor of how international teams might defend Clark in her first global tournament. "Her ability to get going and get hot, and to stretch the floor, the spacing that she provides, the attention that she generally draws in the WNBA ― we'll see if that's the same. … We'll have to see, since (it's) her first time here, is how people defend her. Is it similar to what we see in the (United) States, or is it a little bit different?"
Clark herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Team USA on the world stage. "It's crazy, and I think you know, you get used to it," Clark said. "I think at the same time, I almost think about it another way. Like, how lucky am I? This is pretty special and pretty cool, and there's so many people that would kill to be in this spot and have this type of opportunity."
She added, "Especially to play for the USA team, let alone play in the WNBA and live out your dream every single day. So I try to look at, look at it the other way and think about how lucky I am and how grateful I am. Sure, there are moments where it's exhausting and it's a lot. There's a lot of attention, but that's what you sign up for and that's what you dream of."
Clark concluded by emphasizing the fan support and her role in growing the game. "More than anything, what gets you up to play every single day is the amount of fans that you get to play in front of - and to help grow the game globally."