Social media platforms were alight with criticism following Team USA's FIBA World Cup semifinal victory over Spain, as fans expressed outrage over the limited playing time of star player Caitlin Clark. Clark saw just 16 minutes of action off the bench during the 76-66 win, contributing only one point and playing a minimal role in the team's offense.
The limited involvement sparked widespread speculation among viewers, with many alleging that the team and head coach Kara Lawson are intentionally marginalizing the WNBA All-Star.
WNBA analyst Jaime Lardis stated on X, "Today’s game is clear evidence that there’s an agenda being pushed with Caitlin Clark." Lardis questioned the decision-making, adding, "Why the hell is she barely playing? She’s been one of the best players on this team. At this point, it feels like they’re doing everything they can to limit her impact and make her look bad."
Commentator Skip Bayless echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the close score against Spain was partly due to Clark not being featured more prominently. "Team USA's 10-point win over Spain was closer than it needed to be," Bayless said. "That's because Caitlin Clark, the WNBA's best player, should start, orchestrate and be featured more. But of course, Kara Lawson can't risk a mutiny of veterans. This is all so petty, so dumb, so hard to watch."
Viewers pointed to specific game sequences as evidence of Clark being overlooked. One such instance in the third quarter, when the U.S. held a four-point lead, showed Jackie Young driving into traffic despite Clark being open beyond the three-point line. Young ultimately passed to Breanna Stewart, leaving Clark visibly frustrated.
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Clark's playing time has reportedly seen a downward trend throughout the FIBA World Cup. After logging 25 minutes in the tournament opener against China, her court time decreased to 19 minutes against Italy, 22 against Czechia, and 20 against Hungary before hitting the tournament low of 16 minutes in the semifinal.
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Despite the criticism, Coach Lawson has defended her rotation strategy, previously expressing satisfaction with her starting lineup's ability to establish early momentum and her overall rotation.
Clark's individual performance in the tournament has been varied. She struggled with one point on 0-for-6 shooting against Italy but followed with nine points against Czechia and 10 against Hungary.
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Team USA is now preparing for Sunday's gold medal game, where they aim to secure their fifth consecutive FIBA Women's World Cup title.