‘Sabotage in Full Effect,’ ‘Everybody Ices Her Out’ – Caitlin Clark Fans Call Out Team USA Stars for Not Passing to Fever Star
Many fans expected the ongoing FIBA World Cup to become another signature moment for WNBA star Caitlin Clark, but that hasn’t been the case during the tournament’s early stages.
While Team USA remains undefeated, Clark has struggled to find her consistency. Now, some members of the WNBA world believe Clark’s inconsistent performances could be a result of ulterior motives from her Team USA teammates.
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WNBA World Reacts To Caitlin Clark’s Supporting Role On Team USA
Team USA remained undefeated in Group D of the FIBA World Cup with a strong win over the Czech Republic. However, Clark played a supporting role instead of leading the way, leaving many WNBA fans puzzled.
Clark finished with 9 points and 7 assists against Czechia, with six players on Team USA outscoring her. This comes after her 1-point performance in the team’s close win against Italy in the previous game.
While Clark has been struggling with her shot, many fans of Clark and the WNBA are confused that she’s being used in a supporting role rather than starring. In fact, some fans think Clark is intentionally being frozen out due to factors unrelated to her on-court play.
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“Why is Caitlin Clark even on this USA team? If the centers are going to bring the ball up and the team is going to ice her out on the offense you should’ve brought somebody else,” one fan said.
Team USA is coached by Duke head coach Kara Lawson, who runs a different scheme than Clark’s Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White (who is an assistant under Lawson on Team USA’s coaching staff). Still, fans were confused why Clark rarely seems to touch the ball compared to her teammates.
“We are back to nobody passing the ball to Caitlin. And Caitlin passing the ball to everyone else. CC sabotage in full effect by her teammates,” one fan wrote.
After scoring 14 points in Team USA’s opening victory over China, Clark struggled against Italy, scoring just 1 point on 0-of-6 shooting from the field. After suffering heavy criticism, Clark’s fans were hoping for a significant bounce-back performance on Monday.
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“Every time Caitlin Clark is on the court her gravity, spacing, assisting, etc just opens everything up and Team USA DOMINATES. Sucks everybody ices her out and is selfish af where she’s concerned, but the difference when she’s on the floor vs not is GLARING,” another fan said.
“They’ll rather turn the ball over than passing it to Caitlin Clark,” a fan added.
“Hey! I’m Caitlin Clark. Y’all mind passing me the ball too?” said another frustrated Clark fan.
Many fans believe Clark should be Team USA’s starting point guard over Chelsea Gray, and they point to the fact that she is still coming off the bench as a sign that she’s being misused.
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Team USA will face the winner of Hungary vs. Japan in the quarterfinals, and Clark’s usage will remain a major topic of discussion as long as she remains in a supporting role.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Crédito: Link de origem