Team USA survived a close call against Italy on Sunday, holding on for a 55–52 win at the ongoing FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
While the narrow win extended Team USA’s winning streak to 32 games, Kara Lawson’s coaching decisions quickly became a talking point after Italy pushed the defending champions to the brink.
Fans Question Kara Lawson’s Rotation Choices After Team USA’s Close Win
Much of the criticism centered on Lawson’s decision to lean heavily on her veteran starters despite Italy remaining within striking distance throughout the game.
Post-game, Lawson told the following to broadcaster TNT Sports, “In the fourth quarter when it was winning time, our veterans came through big. I thought Jackie Young was terrific and Chelsea makes a big shot late to give us that cushion to five…You see where your weaknesses are and we know exactly where we need to improve.”
Fans were quick to question Lawson’s rotation decisions throughout the game. One fan called for Lawson to start the Indiana Fever duo Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, “Start CC, and Boston next time.”
Start CC, and Boston next time.
— 06ajf (@Ajf626) September 6, 2026
Another questioned the coaching staff directly, writing, “Yeah we sure do see where are weaknesses are… you and your coaching staff.”
The criticism became even more direct in another reaction, writing, “Absolute terrible coach.”
One fan pointed to the rotation that had produced results earlier in the game as Team USA took a healthy lead, writing, “With Howard, Clark, Reese, Boston, and [Paige] together they went up 13. She never put that rotation back in the game. That rotation also dominated the first game. How can she not see this.”
With Howard, Clark, Reese, Boston and page together they went up 13. She never put that rotation back in the game. That rotation also dominated the first game. How can she not see this.
— simpleSAM (@simplesamtx) September 6, 2026
Another reaction focused on Lawson’s reliance on her starters, writing, “Coach Lawson was determined to play her (poor choice) of starters, giving them most of the minutes. Her terrible decision led to a terrible performance. Almost cost USA the win.”
Coach Lawson was determined to play her (poor choice) of starters, giving them most of the minutes.
Her terrible decision led to a terrible performance. Almost cost USA the win.
— IIzThatIIz (@IIzThatIIz) September 6, 2026
One fan pushed back on Lawson’s assessment, pointing to Chelsea Gray’s late turnover, Breanna Stewart’s forced pass, missed free throws, and other mistakes down the stretch. The fan’s conclusion was blunt as they wrote, “Team USA survived. That is different. SURVIVING IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING CLUTCH.”
JUST BECAUSE YOU SAY IT DOESN’T MAKE IT TRUE. 😭
Kara Lawson said Team USA’s veterans came in clutch down the stretch.
She specifically pointed to Chelsea Gray.
But that is NOT what the final minutes looked like.
Chelsea Gray had a critical turnover late.
Breanna Stewart…
— SPORTS RECEIPTS 🧾 (@SPORTSRECEIPTS) September 6, 2026
The criticism came after Team USA shot just 28.6% from the field and went 1-for-12 from 3-point range. Italy also had a late chance to tie the game before the Americans held on for a 55-52 victory.
With the knockout stage ahead, Lawson’s rotation decisions are likely to remain under scrutiny, especially if Team USA finds itself in another close contest.
