Caitlin Clark Addresses Team USA Coach's Decision

The game’s tempo also slowed at times as teams rotated multiple players in and out during short stretches. Team USA’s frequent lineup changes were part of the coaches’ plan to evaluate different player combinations early in the tournament.

“It’s going to be a work in progress,” Clark said about the rotation in an interview. “It can be hard to find a flow a little bit, especially when you’re going five-in, five-out, but you’ve got to be flexible. That’s what USA Basketball is all about.”

Clark said players understand their roles may shift based on matchups and coaching decisions on playing time. The two-time WNBA All-Star isn't complaining about Lawson's decision to keep her off the starting unit in their first two games.

“Some games you’re going to play a lot, some games you’re going to play not as much, you might come off the bench,” the 6-foot guard explained. “You’ve got to be ready when your number is called, and I think we did a good job of that.”

Head coach Kara Lawson said via ESPN that several players are still adapting to new roles on the national team, different from their usual WNBA duties. However, she said she will continue fine-tuning her starting lineup and rotation throughout the tournament in pursuit of the World Cup title.

Team USA has some of the world’s top talent, but its players are still building on-court chemistry. Their game against Senegal was this squad’s first matchup against another national team. Prior to that, they only played against each other in practice.

Lawson said the qualifying tournament is the team’s only chance to play actual games before the World Cup in Germany. Team USA chose to participate in the qualifiers despite already having a spot in the competition in Berlin, which begins on Sept. 4.

Lawson explained that while training is useful, it cannot replicate real FIBA games or the experience of being in a competitive environment. She added that the qualifying tournament also helps players build chemistry both on and off the court.

Team USA will play three more games in Puerto Rico, facing Italy, New Zealand and Spain. Clark and the rest of the team will try to maintain their momentum when they face the Italian squad on Saturday.