Caitlin Clark is coming off the bench again as Team USA continues its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title defense against Italy on Sunday.
The Indiana Fever star entered the tournament opener against China in a reserve role, with head coach Kara Lawson choosing a veteran-heavy starting five. Clark eventually became one of the biggest stories of the game.
Clark finished with 14 points, 11 assists and three rebounds in 25:19 while shooting 4-for-9 from the field and 3-for-7 from 3-point range. She also had zero turnovers and earned FIBA’s Player of the Game honor as Team USA cruised to a 94-61 victory.
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Despite that performance, Clark has not been inserted into the starting five against Italy, meaning Lawson is sticking with her approach from the tournament opener.
Clark’s impact off the bench was significant against China. Her 11 assists were the most by a U.S. player in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley recorded 12 in 1998, while her 14 points tied Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers for the team lead.
Team USA enters Sunday’s matchup with a 1-0 record and a 31-game winning streak in FIBA Women’s World Cup play. Italy is also 1-0 after defeating Czechia 63-54 in its opener, with Cecilia Zandalasini leading the way with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Team USA and Italy tip off Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET in Berlin.
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