Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Team USA Facing Backlash Over Caitlin Clark Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 6:50 PM ET

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had tallied a combined 25 points and 14 assists in Team USA's first two games against Senegal and Puerto Rico in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament. She has been one of the best weapons of the national team, alongside Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers.

Despite her performance so far, Clark has not been given a starting nod. Head coach Kara Lawson said after Team USA's opener against Senegal that she's experimenting with various combinations, so she would have different starting lineups throughout the competition.

In their showdown with Puerto Rico, Lawson indeed fielded a different starting five, with Chelsea Gray the only starter who stayed. Against Italy on Saturday, however, Lawson went back with her starting unit for the Senegal game. The only difference was that she put Howard in place of Reese.

That being said, fans couldn't help but be disappointed that Clark came off the bench once again.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts from the bench after a play.© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

"They doing everting starting everybody but Caitlin Clark," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "Still not starting cc huh unbelievable."

"[Expletive] bro is cc in the dog house? How the hell chelsea grey starting for the 3rd time," a viewer asked in disbelief.

A critic added, "CC not being in the starting lineup this game is immensely nonsensical."

"Stephanie white and Kara Lawson Still hasn’t start CC huh?" a poster shared.

"#caitlinclark isn’t starting? Our BEST PLAYER? The femal mj?" a sixth social media stated.

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It has yet to be seen if Clark will ever get to start for Team USA in the qualifiers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, she doesn't have a lot of chances left.

After Italy, Team USA has only two games left. They will play New Zealand on Sunday and Spain on Tuesday.

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

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