Team USA’s dominance at FIBA World Cup qualifiers was expected, as the team recorded two wins in the opening two games with a combined margin of 89 points. While every player delivered on the big stage, all eyes were on rookies, especially on Caitlin Clark, who was out of action for eight months due to injury.
Clark also admitted feeling nervous about her return to action and asked fans to have realistic expectations of her at her senior-level debut. Although fans followed her request, the player exceeded those ‘realistic expectations’ and led the side on the offensive end.
Her performances during the games are proof of the Fever guard returning to full fitness. A recent warm-up video also shows the player getting back to her efficient game.
Caitlin Clark Shows Off Her Efficiency
After an eight-month break, CC spoke about ‘shaking off the rust’ for the competitive games. Her performances, though, showed no sign of rust at all as the two-time All-Star remains the leader in points scored and assists in the games played so far. She is an even deadlier shooter from the field, netting 53.8% of her three-pointers and 100% of her two-pointers in the games.
In the recent warm-up video ahead of the game against Itay, the player netted all her attempts from the range, getting back in the rhythm and also trying different angles before the match-up.
Warmup target practice for @CaitlinClark22 🎯
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) March 14, 2026
Team USA takes on Italy in @FIBAWWC Qualifying play at 4:45pm ET on truTV & HBO Max! pic.twitter.com/qVdwsKU6qt
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
During the game against Italy, CC scored 12 points, banking two of her three ranged shots and also netting both midrange shots. She even provided five assists in the game as Team USA recorded a 93-59 win. Fans are still confused over Clark not getting starts for Team USA despite playing for most minutes and making a huge impact for the side.
The player has made great progress since her injury and is delivering results at the highest level. Obviously, Fever fans are happy and want to see her back in the 2026 season with the same passion and effectiveness. Coach Stephanie White also provided her assessment of CC’s games.
Indiana Fever Coach Reflects On Caitlin Clark’s Debut
Despite injuries to multiple star players, Coach Stephanie White led the team to the semifinals of the 2025 WNBA Season in her very first year as head coach at the Fever franchise. The coach was hoping to get her superstar player back on the floor on time, but now got the chance to coach her at the Team USA event.
Reflecting on CC’s first game, White said, “I thought she’s been great. I think she really set the tone with her facilitating in game one. I mean, she’s one of the greatest passers that the game has ever seen, and now she’s got so many weapons on the floor.”
How would you evaluate Caitlin’s return so far?
— Jess (@FeverBandwagon) March 14, 2026
Steph “I thought she’s been great… she really set the tone with her facilitating in game one. She’s one of the greatest passers that the game has ever seen. Now she’s got so many weapons on the floor. Finding her way, seeing what… pic.twitter.com/K7KPnQfJZl
“And finding her way, and seeing what each player’s strengths are, how to put them in positions to be successful. I thought she shot the ball well in game one, I didn’t think she rushed,” Coach White told the media.
While the Indiana Fever team is looking to build a championship side around the former Iowa playmaker, her fitness and effectiveness on the floor are of utmost importance for them.