In the middle of the CBA negotiations at the WNBA, many eyes were also on the FIBA World Cup qualifier games. The reason for the same was high-profile debuts in the game that included Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. While Reese and Bueckers played in the Unrivalled league, the Fever guard was taking the court after eight months.
Just before the match, Clark admitted feeling butterflies due to her long absence from the action, but was confident about getting into the rhythm once she got on the court.
Ironically, she performed exceedingly well and was efficient on the floor, which handed Team USA a 110-46 win in the opening game at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Here is what the former Iowa says about her performance.
Caitlin Clark Assesses Her Team USA Debut
The Fever guard was much-awaited return to the court, and coach Kara Lawson also put her in during the first quarter of the game. Giving her 15+ minutes in the game, Lawson also made sure that the player would get time to adjust, and fans also get to see her play more.
Making the most of the opportunity, CC finished the game with 17 points and 12 assists while shooting 80% from the floor. Talking about her performance, Clark said, “This is such a different scenario for me, rather than the WNBA season when a lot is kind of on my shoulders to create and do a lot of things.”
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“Obviously, here you’re surrounded with 11 other players that are so, so talented, people that have won gold medals. So my focus, more than anything, was just play really fast, play up tempo. I know that’s what I’m good at and what I can bring to this team,” Caitlin Clark added.
Coach Kara Lawson also lauded her impact on the floor, mentioning that she brings this dynamic play to the offensive end. The coach added that, as dynamic a scorer as she is, she’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the world as well.
With these qualities, the player is looking to influence the game and also spoke about her dream with Team USA.
Caitlin Clark Eyes Olympic Glory With Team USA
While Clark urged fans to have realistic expectations for her return, her monumental performance drew widespread praise. The player had been working hard towards her fitness and availability for the national side and even spoke about her role with Team USA.
Recalling her memory of watching players’ jerseys hung on the wall in honor of their duty for the country, the 2024 WNBA Rookie said, “My eyes were just so wide. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. We’re 15 or 16 years old and dreaming about doing that one day.”
I asked Caitlin Clark who her favorite Olympic basketball players were growing up: "My favorite Olympians growing up definitely Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi." 🎥 : @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/eK8nZ58dWT
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) March 7, 2026
The player already has three gold medals at the junior level, and looking at her performances and the team, she has at the senior level, she could end up collecting even more championships.