Team USA is heading into the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup after a convincing victory over Czechia earlier this week. Caitlin Clark bounced back from her dismal one-point outing against Italy by recording nine points and seven assists for the United States in the win over Czechia. She came off the bench in that game as part of several rotations Team USA head coach Kara Lawson has used during the FIBA World Cup games.
Typically, Clark plays alongside other young stars, including the Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers and Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Ahead of the team's quarterfinals matchup against Hungary on Thursday, Lawson addressed whether she planned to start Clark. Lawson said she's sticking with what she's done each game so far.
More news: WNBA Legend Calls Out ‘Unfair’ Criticism of Caitlin Clark After Team USA Win "I think that our starting group's done a really good job of getting us off to good starts. You know, rotationally from game to game, we could change things, but I like where we are right now," Lawson said. Asked if she's considered starting Reese or Bueckers, Lawson doubled down with, "I like where we are right now." Team USA's starting lineup for their Group Phase games featured five veterans: New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, the Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, Las Vegas Aces stars Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, and Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper.
Some critics may contend that this specific starting lineup presents a slower-paced, half-court style offense as compared to a quicker offense when players, including Clark, Bueckers, and Reese, are on the court. In the 41-point blowout win over Czechia, Clark played the most minutes of all players with 22, followed by Reese with 19 and Beuckers with 18 minutes. Starter Breanna Stewart had the top game of all Team USA players, with 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Team USA has an early tip-off time of 5:30 a.m. ET on Thursday for United States viewers. While it seems head coach Lawson could be open to changing things up during the tournament, fans shouldn't expect to see Clark, Bueckers, or Reese in Thursday morning's starting lineup.
More news: Caitlin Clark Posts Unwanted First in Team USA’s Narrow Win Over Italy For more about the WNBA and FIBA World Cup, visit Newsweek Sports.
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