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Caitlin Clark Makes Honest Admission After Team USA Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 7:32 PM ET

All eyes were on Caitlin Clark on Wednesday as the Indiana Fever superstar made her long-awaited Team USA debut.

Clark played just 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season due to multiple injuries. She has since been putting in the work behind the scenes to get back on the court. On Wednesday, she finally reaped the rewards of her hard work.

Clark went off in her first game for the senior national squad. The 6-foot guard registered 17 points on 4-of-5 shooting and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe, to go along with 12 assists and one rebound. Clark also knocked down four triples in just 19 minutes of action.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots the ball in the first half against the Connecticut Sun. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Thanks in part to Clark’s awe-inspiring debut, Team USA dominated Senegal in their first game of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Puerto Rico, 110-46.

Clark spoke to reporters after the game to discuss her performance. After being out of action for nearly eight months, the two-time WNBA All-Star made an honest admission about her conditioning.

According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Clark conceded that there were certain moments in the game where she was “sucking air.” However, the Fever star felt good overall.

“I feel like I had my wind pretty well,” Clark said. “I felt like I was playing fast, and that was my goal. I know that’s what I can bring to this team.”

Clark came off the bench for Team USA, and she made an immediate impact on the game as soon as she checked in. She picked up the pace while putting her elite playmaking skills on full display.

Clark also noted that the 19 minutes she played were a good amount to ease her back following her extended injury layoff. It’s possible that Team USA head coach Kara Lawson will give Clark more run in their next game.

Up next for the Americans is a matchup against the hosts, Puerto Rico. Clark and Co. return to action on Thursday in their second of five qualifying matchups.

The United States have already qualified for the World Cup in September after winning the AmeriCup in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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