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WNBA Critics Silenced By Caitlin Clark's World Cup Debut For Team USA
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- WNBA Critics Silenced By Caitlin Clark's World Cup Debut For Team USA
If you were worried about how Caitlin Clark would handle the competition at the FIBA Women's World Cup, we'd have to imagine she wiped away everyone's fears this Friday.
Clark was truly outstanding for Team USA, recording 14 points and a team-high 11 assists in her World Cup debut. The Indiana Fever point guard now owns the record for having the most assists without a turnover in a World Cup game in Team USA history.
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Though it's not much of a surprise, Clark was named the USABWNT Player of the Game. As you'd imagine, her fans had a lot to say about her performance.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (10) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
"This FIBA playstyle fits her like a glove," a fan said. "She needs to run the show completely here on out."
"But…but…I was told she wouldn't be able to handle the physicality of the international game. More like they couldn't handle her," a second fan commented.
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"Need her haters to enjoy greatness throughout this tournament," another fan wrote on X.
"THEY SAID SHE WOULDNT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE PHYSICALITY," a social media user commented.
Some fans aren't thrilled with her role.
Even though Clark shined on Friday, some fans didn't love the fact that she came off the bench for Kara Lawson's squad.
"We get it, seniority instead of performance," one fan wrote on social media. "Hopefully doesn't hurt them."
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"Caitlin Clark should be starting without a doubt," a second fan commented.
Team USA went with Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Kahleah Cooper and Chelsea Gray for its starting five. We'd have to imagine that lineup will remain the same for Sunday's showdown with Italy.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Sep 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
