Team USA Keeps Caitlin Clark on Bench for World Cup Quarterfinal as Veterans Hold Starting 5
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Team USA Keeps Caitlin Clark on Bench for World Cup Quarterfinal as Veterans Hold Starting 5
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 9
Summary
Kara Lawson said Caitlin Clark will stay out of Team USA's starting lineup for the World Cup quarterfinal against Hungary, with Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers also expected to remain reserves.
Lawson said the veteran starters have delivered strong openings through the first three games and that she likes the current rotation entering the knockout stage.
Clark has come off the bench in all 3 group games, opening with 14 points and 11 assists against China, then scoring 1 point against Italy before bouncing back with 9 points and 7 assists versus Czechia.
Bueckers and Reese have been productive in reserve roles—Bueckers is 13-for-22 from the field with only 3 turnovers, while Reese has totaled 26 points and 18 rebounds in under 20 minutes per game.
The decision comes as the U.S. enters a no-margin-for-error bracket after a scare against Italy, while trying to preserve its unbeaten record in Women's World Cup quarterfinals.