Caitlin Clark and Team USA finished the group stage of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a perfect 3-0 record, taking down Czechia 105-64 on Monday night. Now, Team USA will get ready for the knockout stage, facing the winner of the quarterfinal play-in between Hungary and Japan.
Clark, after a disappointing performance on Sunday against Italy, bounced back against Czechia. The former Iowa Hawkeyes guard finished with nine points on 3-of-8 shooting and seven assists in 22 minutes, the most on the team. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart added 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
And outside of a one-point performance against Italy, Clark has been one of Team USA’s best players, averaging 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
However, despite Clark receiving the most minutes, she has come off the bench in all three games, including Monday’s win over Czechia. In each of the knockout games, coach Kara Lawson has gone with a starting lineup consisting of Las Vegas Aces guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, Phoenix Mercury forward Kahleah Copper, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, and Stewart.
With Clark performing well, for the most part, during her first FIBA World Cup, many fans are requesting she be inserted into the starting lineup, taking their thoughts to social media.
“Starting lineup for #USABWNT should be: Caitlin Clark Paige Bueckers Rhyne Howard Breanna Stewart Napheesa Collier End of story,” one user said.
“And just like that the moment Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers checks in the US goes on a 13 -0 run and now 27-12. Stop playing around starting these old ass players you have magic right here,” added another.
“…When will the U.S. start their best lineup? Caitlin Clark PG, Clelsea Gray G, Naphessa Collier F, Aliyah Boston C, Kahleah Copper F,” wrote a third.
“Start Caitlin Clark,” posted a fourth.
“This is how you win, start Caitlin Clark @CaitlinClark22 and let her run the offense…..” commented a fifth.
“If you truly are serious of winning, start Caitlin Clark,” added a sixth.
Clark and Team USA will face the winner of Hungary and Japan on Thursday, with the tipoff time still to be announced.
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