Caitlin Clark scored her first points in 8 months almost immediately. Clark was back on the court after recovering from multiple soft tissue injuries. And she had a point to prove. She scored 17 points and 12 assists in 19 minutes on the floor in the 110-46 win over Senegal. She landed eight of her points and eight of her assists in the first half of the game.  It seemed Clark was coming back to her best and yet, we are into the 3rd game of the Tournament without her in the starting lineup.

Kara Lawson was already clear that she is still figuring things out with this group. “The starting lineup is going to change, the rotation is going to change,” Lawson said, via ESPN. “As a coach, I am still in fact-finding mode. Not in terms of who they are … but trying to find some chemistry and see what combinations work together.” However, the rotation hasn’t reached only two players yet.

“Only 2 players who have NOT started yet for Team USA.. Rae Burrell & Caitlin Clark,” wrote Rachel DeMita. Lawson has repeatedly praised Clark. “She brings this dynamic play to the offensive end,” Lawson said. “As much as she is a dynamic scorer, she’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the world as well. So we talked about her utilizing all the talent [around her].” And despite that, no start. With Clark not getting the nod for the third consecutive time, the fans took to social media, severely criticizing the Team USA management. 

Fans Slam Kara Lawson for Snubbing Caitlin Clark for the Third Straight Game

“That doesn’t sit right with me ! Rae okay, but Caitlin not starting is insane!” Wrote a frustrated fan. It’s understandable, since the entire purpose of this tournament is to give the youngsters a chance. Team USA are already qualified for the World Cup in September after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. 

Well, ‘best’ player is a stretch but is certainly one of the sharpest weapons they have. Once again coming off the bench, Clark impressed. In Team USA’s win over Italy, Clark posted 12 points and five assists while playing just more than 22 minutes. She made 4-of-5 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from downtown, and she was 2-for-2 at the free-throw line.

“How tf caitlin clark not starting?” Asked one. “Over this coach and her ridiculous rotations,” commented another. Lawson has already faced plenty of flak as a Duke coach for her subpar rotations in the past. Especially during her 3-6 start of the 2025-26 season. Her X’s and O’s have been under the scanner for years. However, everytime she has found a way to prove the critics wrong. For Team USA, Lawson needs time to settle in. 

“There’s still 2 matches left, and who is starting in what is more like a practice match for the US does not really matter,” pitched in another. Clark herself addressed her starting spot before the Italy game. “It’s going to be a work in progress,” Clark said. “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.” So, Clark herself understands what Team USA is all about. She is not sweating too much, especially while coming back from injury. Regardless, she could get that start anytime soon as the team continues to gel and Clark continues to improve.