Team USA escaped with a 55-52 win over Italy in its second group-stage game at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, but the performance left plenty to be desired. Caitlin Clark endured one of the toughest offensive outings of her career, finishing with 1 point while missing all six of her field-goal attempts.
Much of the postgame criticism centered on Clark, but WNBA legend Tina Charles believes the blame should not fall on one player alone.
Tina Charles Wants All of Team USA To Be Criticized, Not Just Caitlin Clark
Appearing on TNT Sports ahead of Team USA’s matchup against Czechia, Charles addressed the criticism surrounding Clark’s performance.
“I think it’s a little bit unfair to isolate Caitlin Clark from Team USA,” she said. “Caitlin Clark had rhythm in the first game, so did Team USA. Clark struggled to find that rhythm, so did Team USA.”
The criticism came just one game after Clark helped lead Team USA to a 94-61 victory over China. She finished with 14 points, tied for the most on the team with Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard. She also dished out 11 assists, the most by a US player in the Women’s World Cup since Dawn Staley (12) in 1998.
It’s clear that Clark thriving on offense leads to Team USA performing better as a whole.
“I think the lesson for Team USA and Caitlin Clark is, ‘Okay, what I’m used to doing is not available or I’m not able to do that, what is the second thing I’m going to do to impact this game? What am I going to do during this possession? What does this possession need from me?’” Charles added.
Tina Charles on Caitlin Clark’s performance yesterday:
“I think it’s a little bit unfair to isolate Caitlin Clark from Team USA… pic.twitter.com/WYI5UWxs7a
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) September 7, 2026
Team USA struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Italy. They scored just 11 points in the second quarter, and Jackie Young was the only player to score in double-digits (10 points).
Meanwhile, Bueckers had 7 points on 40% shooting from the field. After the slugfest, she explained exactly what the team could learn from the game.
“I think there’s learning experiences and growth from every single game,” she said. “But to be challenged like this early, I think it’s great for us in the long run. To have confidence in our ability to find ways to win but also have room for growth and know that there’s so much we need to get better at, I think it will do best for us.”
The near defeat against Italy was clearly a wake-up call not just for Clark but for the team as a whole. Six players scored in double-digits in tonight’s 105-64 blowout win against Czechia, with Breanna Stewart leading the way with 19 points.
Clark added 9 points and a team-high 7 assists while posting a +22 plus-minus. Coach Kara Lawson kept the same starting lineup for all three of the team’s wins: Chelsea Gray, Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Stewart.
Meanwhile, Team USA’s bench unit featuring Clark, Bueckers, and Angel Reese continued to provide significant production throughout group play. With the victory, Team USA finished group play undefeated and advanced directly to the quarterfinals, where it will face the winner of the Hungary-Japan matchup.
