Caitlin Clark finally made her much-awaited return to the basketball court. After appearing for 13 games last season in the WNBA, Clark was forced to sit out following a lingering groin injury. Thankfully, while it took some time, the 24-year-old star was able to navigate her way back to playing basketball.
Teaming up with Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, the hype was shooting through the roof. But while the Indiana Fever guard was humble before the game, her return was marked in elegance and pure domination.
Caitlin Clark Scripts Team USA Triumph In FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
The former Iowa Hawkeyes star worked hard in silence. And in the very first game she played following her hiatus, the results were overwhelming. Donning the Team USA jersey for the first time, she had a memorable outing. The 2024 Rookie of the Year dropped 17 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. She also had 4-of-5 shooting while clinching four triples within a span of 19 minutes.
Riding on the back of such an incredible performance, Team USA had a smooth sailing in their FIBA World Cup Qualifiers opening game. As they defeated Senegal 110-46, the team hopes for more such memorable nights in Puerto Rico.
Following her big return, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews caught up with the Fever star. Reflecting on her performance, the 2-time WNBA All-Star said, “I feel like I had my wind pretty well. I felt like I was playing fast, and that was my goal. I know that’s what I can bring to this team.”
Clark says there were a few moments during the game she was “sucking air”, but overall felt good.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) March 11, 2026
“I feel like I had my wind pretty well. I felt like I was playing fast, and that was my goal. I know that’s what I can bring to this team.”
She said that playing 19 minutes was a…
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While Clark did not start, coming off the bench, she had a notable impact on the game. Initially looking rusty, the 24-year-old found her rhythm as she displayed her elite playmaking skills.
Meanwhile, looking to improve further, Clark explained that playing for her country was different from her duties with the Indiana Fever.
Caitlin Clark Feels At Ease In Team USA Colors
Playing for Team USA, the 2024 All-NBA First Team wants to clinch the Olympic gold. And by the looks of it, the star player might as well be successful in her quest. Playing for her country, the Fever star feels a little less pressure compared to her WNBA stints.
Explaining the scenario, the 24-year-old stated how in the WNBA, the entire responsibility of the team rests upon her. But for Team USA, she has world-class players to handle things and support her. Clark was also overwhelmed to play alongside Olympic gold medalists like Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson.
Caitlin Clark talks about her health and her role as a playmaker on Team USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/PEfjkcIjwC
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) March 12, 2026
Meanwhile, stressing her iron-clad mindset to success, the Fever star said, “When you’re out there, just compete as hard as you can. You give everything you’ve got.”
Well, now that things are looking back to normal for Clark, Fever fans will be very eager to see their favorite star own the game once more.