A Japanese women’s basketball fan took a shot at the American team ahead of their Paris Olympics matchup by bringing a Caitlin Clark sign to the game. Team USA stars A’ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and others were seen pointing at the sign, which read, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” The Americans were aiming to extend their international winning streak and defeat Japan in a rematch of the 2020 Olympics’ gold medal game. Despite the sign’s suggestion, Team USA emerged victorious with a 102-76 win.
During the game, Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces stood out with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty contributed 22 points and eight rebounds, while Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum each added 11 points to the scoreboard. Despite Clark not being included in the Olympic roster selected in June, her impressive performance in the WNBA season, including a triple-double and setting a single-game assists record with 19, seemed to change head coach Dawn Staley’s perspective on the rookie player.
Staley, who is also a committee member responsible for selecting the Olympic team, acknowledged that Clark’s current level of play would have put her in high consideration for making the team if the selection process were to be done again. She praised Clark’s shooting ability, elite passing skills, high basketball IQ, and rapid improvement in the professional game over the span of just a few months. Despite initially being left off the roster due to her limited WNBA experience at the time of selection, Clark’s performance has since garnered recognition and potential inclusion in future competitions.
The Paris Olympics saw swimmers noticing an unusual slowness in the pool, as gold-medal times fell short of world records. Despite any adjustments needed in the aquatic events, Team USA’s dominance in basketball remained evident with their victory over Japan. The American team’s success, led by standout performances from key players like Wilson, Stewart, Griner, and others, affirmed their status as a powerhouse in women’s basketball on the international stage.
As Team USA continues to showcase their talent and skills at the Paris Olympics, they demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges and maintain their winning streak. The inclusion of rising stars like Caitlin Clark, who has proven her worth with exceptional performances in the WNBA, adds depth and versatility to the team. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, the American team looks poised to defend their title and make a strong statement at the Olympics, showcasing their unwavering determination and competitive spirit on the global stage.
