Team USA released 18 invitees for the upcoming training camp. The probable lineup could team up Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which could be the first-ever opportunity for fans. The duo, though, missed the majority of the 2025 season due to different injuries. The Fever guard had some serious injuries, forcing her out of the 31 regular-season games.
Many blamed physicality in the league for her injuries, which was a hot topic of discussion. On the Golic/Golic podcast, the host pointed out that the players are still very physical while defending the 24-year-old guard. There were many incidents where the Fever players had to separate the defender, who was being too aggressive on Clark. The Fever analyst also criticized the same point.
Debbie Antonelli Blasts Physical Play Against Caitlin Clark
Debie Antonelli highlights that the physicality in the game is in three areas: in a post, at the glass, and at the point of screening. She pointed out that the rest of the area needs to be cleaned up and added that jumping to the ball while defending is also a skill. Emphasizing the number of knocks former Iowa star had in the WNBA, she even blasted the league’s officiating.
“If you wanna win the game, it’s important to choose limit what she can do. You take away her vision, you are physical with her when she is off the ball, you do all these, and there is a certain line. And if the referees don’t take care of managing that line, then the players are gonna cross the line,” Antonelli said.
The 61-year-old analyst added that the basketball should be ‘offense making the defense wrong’, which will allow the fans to see the best-skilled players on the court.
While her assessment was largely correct, CC, who was out of the rotation due to injury, had some positive news for the fans.
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Caitlin Clark Declared Herself 100% Fit To Play
Earlier in November, CC participated in Annika’s LPGA Pro-Am event, which was her second appearance at the event. Many fans were concerned about her health as the player was in action after sitting out for nearly three months. A few even criticized her decision to play golf while she was suffering from a groin and an ankle injury.
But on the golf course, the Fever guard not only showed her ‘pro swings’ but handed a positive update for the fans. “l’ve played less, just because I haven’t been able to get out there with some of the injuries that I was dealing with. But now I’m feeling back to 100%,” Clark said.
Caitlin says she’s back to 100%…thank you Jesus 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/rV66mf75Fb
— ericaf455 (@ericaf455) November 12, 2025
With Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull offering help to Clark at the tournament, the competition was also a blockbuster event, with fans showing their love for the Fever trio.