The USA Women’s basketball team is one of the most decorated, having won the most titles at every international competition. While the new generation is still striving to uphold the reputation, Coach Kara Lawson showed faith in rookies like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, inviting them to the senior camp.
With the established stars already delivering for the national team, it was always hard for the young stars to find their place. However, Clark made her intentions for Team USA clear and worked hard to recover from her injury, earning the call-up. Sadly, for her, day one had been tough, following her return after a four-month absence. Fans also reacted to Clark’s struggles on the floor.
Fans React To Kelsey Plum’s Offense Against Caitlin Clark
The two-day camp featured multiple scrimmages, in which players were divided into two groups and played against each other, as well as against the men’s practice team. As for the Fever guard, she did well offensively, draining multiple signature shots, making passes, and even scoring close-range baskets. But she struggles defensively on the day.
In the clip shared by USA Basketball, Kelsey Plum was one-on-one against CC in the play and showcased her elite ball-handling skills, using footwork to beat Clark with a spin move for an easy layup. Importantly, she not only scored the basket but drew a foul from the 2024 rookie.
Fans loved the play very much and even targeted Clark’s defense in the comments.
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A fan wrote, “Saw 2 plays, decent defense, but cooked all camp lol.”
Another fan mentioned, “Can Clark try to play defense one time?”
One fan said, “CC getting cooked all camp 😭😭😭.”
Another fan commented, “CC stayed getting cooked!”
A fan wrote, “CC out there getting cooked AGAIN.”
Paige Bueckers also nailed a side-step 3-pointer over Caitlin Clark during Team USA practice. Many fans expressed concerns over Clark’s defense, while some asked for time to recover to 100% following the injury.
Caitlin Clark Talks About Her Return To Action
From the player’s perspective, the star played in only 13 games for the Indiana Fever in the 2025 season, and yet was very impactful for them. After suffering from groin and foot injuries, her return to action was slow, as expected, as she discussed with the press.
“I was a little nervous. I haven’t been out here in a while. It’s certainly fun to lace them up and be in a competitive practice,” Clark said. “Obviously it’s a lot different. I’ve been working out and playing pickup, but to be in an environment like this (is different). ”I need to knock off a little bit of rust. My body feels really good. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
family ❤️🔥
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) December 13, 2025
squad is reppin’ at @usabasketball training camp. pic.twitter.com/y5YXURw8NF
“My year was really challenging. I missed being on the court and playing. I would have taken 10 bad games in a row just to be out there playing, that’s how much I love it. For me to be here and feel like I’m playing well and being healthy, that makes me smile more than anything,” Clark added.
Fans want to see her back to 100% again and be as aggressive and imposing as she is on the floor.