No Caitlin Clark, no problem for Team USA women vs. Japan

A'ja Wilson. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

No Caitlin Clark, no problem for Team USA women's hoops vs. Japan

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Jul 29, 2024 5:39 PM ET

All the news surrounding Team USA's women's basketball team on Monday should have been about their big win over Japan. But the United States' dominance on the court still wasn't enough to keep the trolls at bay.

Golden State Warriors reporter Kerith Burke was on the scene in Paris for the Summer Games and took to social media to reveal a sign from a fan in the stands ahead of Monday's game. The moniker read: "You need Caitlin Clark to beat us."

Burke's video caught the reactions of teammates A'ja Wilson and Brittany Griner during warmups.

Team USA a sign that reads, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” USA-Japan tipping off shortly. pic.twitter.com/ymyJ6mSuXQ
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) July 29, 2024

It appears that Team USA was just fine without the Indiana Fever star as it defeated Japan handily, 102-76. Wilson led the way with 24 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

It was also the 56th consecutive win for the U.S. women's team, which has won gold in the last seven Olympic Games.

The #USABWNT's historic run continues as they win their #Paris2024 opener!

A'ja Wilson: 24p, 13r, 4a, 4b
Breanna Stewart: 22p (11-15 FGM), 8r, 3b
Brittney Griner: 11p (5-7 FGM), 9r
Sabrina Ionescu: 11p (3 3PM), 5a
Kelsey Plum: 11p (4-6 FGM)
Chelsea Gray: 13a https://t.co/px2r3NFsVJ
— NBA (@NBA) July 29, 2024

There was plenty of controversy ahead of the Paris Games when Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and a multi-record holder, was left off of the Olympic roster. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, it appears fans all over the world are intrigued by her omission.

Wilson and Co. will continue on, however, as they aim for an eighth consecutive gold medal. Their next game is Thursday against Belgium.

Meanwhile, the WNBA is on pause due to the Olympics and Clark's fans will have to wait until August to watch her play again.

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