WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark experienced difficulties during the FIBA World Cup following a strong showing against China. In Team USA’s second match against Italy, Clark was off her game. She missed all six of her field-goal attempts and scored only one point from a free throw. Despite this, she contributed six rebounds and an assist in over 18 minutes of play.

Clark’s performance was significantly below her usual standard. Nonetheless, former league MVP and eight-time WNBA All-Star Tina Charles defended her. She commented on the criticism directed at Clark and suggested it was unnecessary.

“I think it’s a little bit unfair to isolate Caitlin Clark from Team USA, right? Caitlin Clark had rhythms in the first game [against China], so did Team USA. Caitlin Clark struggled to find that rhythm [against Italy], so did Team USA,” Charles stated during TNT’s FIBA World Cup coverage.

Team USA narrowly defeated Italy 55-52 in a close match that featured aggressive and physical play from the Italian team. Team USA’s shooting was a mere 28.6% from the field, with Jackie Young being the only player in double digits, scoring 10 points.

Team USA recovered on Monday against Czechia, achieving a decisive 105-64 victory and finishing the FIBA World Cup Group Phase. Clark improved, scoring nine points on 3-for-8 shooting and adding seven assists.

After concluding the group games undefeated, Clark and Team USA advanced to the final phase of the 2026 FIBA World Cup. They await the winner of the Hungary-Japan match to determine their quarterfinal opponent.