Team USA coach addresses Caitlin Clark’s issues

Caitlin Clark struggled with her shot during Team USA’s 55-52 win over Italy on Sunday. She failed to follow up on her historic game against China two days earlier. Head coach Kara Lawson addressed her shooting woes but highlighted what the Indiana Fever guard has been providing the national team.

Clark finished with just one point on 0-for-6 shooting, including 0-for-3 from beyond the arc. It came after she recorded 14 points and 11 assists versus China, setting a new mark for most dimes by a USA player at the FIBA World Cup in 28 years. She has since bounced back strong, contributing nine points and seven rebounds in Team USA’s 105-64 victory against Czechia on Monday.

Kara Lawson speaks on Caitlin Clark’s shooting struggles

Reporters asked Lawson for her thoughts about Clark’s uncharacteristic outing. The head coach instead emphasized the three-time WNBA All-Star’s good shot selection and playmaking.

“I don’t count how many they miss,” Lawson said. “I just want their shot quality to be high. And I think Caitlin’s done a solid job in this tournament of taking the right shots at the right times. And that’s normal for any shooter to have stretches where you’re hot and stretches maybe where you’re a little bit cold. But she provides a great playmaking aspect to her game on our team. We rely on her at the point guard position when she’s in to run the team.

“We saw that in the first game when she had 11 assists and zero turnovers. She’s another young player that’s feeling her way through her first World Cup. She’s really motivated and wanting to help our team win. And I think that’s a great place to be. I think all of our young players will take a lot from these three pool play games, give them a lot of confidence as we go into the medal round.”

Team USA is now preparing to take on Hungary. T

Kara Lawson when asked about Caitlin Clark’s shooting:
“I didn’t even know that…. I just want their shot quality to be high. I think Caitlin’s done a solid job in this tournament taking the right shots at the right times.”

“She provides a great playmaking aspect to her game on… pic.twitter.com/FJb5LSccjF

— Kaitlyn (@zulueditsae) September 8, 2026

he quarterfinals showdown is set for Thursday, with a semifinals berth on the line. Clark’s outside shooting and court vision will be key in getting another victory, which would set up a clash with either Spain, Italy or Australia.

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