The United States Women’s National Team extended its flawless run in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament with a commanding 93-59 victory over Italy on Saturday.
While the scoreboard reflected American dominance, the conversation following the final whistle centered on a viral moment involving Caitlin Clark.
As the team exited the court at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, social media footage captured Clark pressing her face against an advertising board and shuffling sideways toward the locker room.
The “bizarre antics” quickly sparked fan theories, with many observers suggesting the maneuver was a humorous attempt to bypass the media mixed zone and avoid further questions regarding her current role in the rotation.
Despite the lighthearted exit, Clark‘s production on the floor has been strictly business. Playing alongside fellow young stars Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, the 24-year-old finished the win over Italy with 12 points and five assists.
This performance followed an electric senior national team debut against Senegal, where she recorded 17 points and 12 assists.
Roster experiments and the Road to the 2026 World Cup
The primary narrative surrounding the American squad in Puerto Rico has been the deliberate experimentation with starting lineups.
While Clark has been a statistical standout, she has primarily contributed off the bench during this tournament.
Head coach Kara Lawson, who is balancing a roster of veteran Olympic gold medalists like Kahleah Copper and Chelsea Gray with generational prospects, clarified after the opener that her strategy is based on assessment rather than a fixed hierarchy.
Lawson stated she would be experimenting with her starting combinations throughout the tournament in order to assess the young talent on her roster.
This “hockey-style” substitution pattern has allowed for intriguing combinations on the court. In the victory against Italy, Clark, Bueckers, and Reese shared significant minutes together, showcasing a fluid chemistry that several analysts suggested could define the future of the program.
Reese has been particularly effective as a screener and rebounder, while Bueckers‘ ability to play in the flow of the offense has complemented Clark‘s high-velocity playmaking.
With the U.S. having already secured a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Berlin as the defending champions, these qualifiers serve as a high-stakes laboratory for defining the team’s new-look backcourt.
Read the full article here
