Caitlin Clark Not Starting for Team USA Triggers RIDICULOUS Outrage | Don’t @ Me w/ Dan Dakich
Despite Team USA’s impressive 52-point victory over Hungary, fans and commentators are calling for adjustments to a starting lineup that’s obviously effective. Dan discusses how Lawson is justified in trusting her seasoned players during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Additionally, Sophie Cunningham is set to launch her podcast again, but with a fresh title, and Breanna Stewart shares an inspiring sentiment about the honor of representing the U.S.
For three-quarters of the game, it felt like Team USA was staring at the end of a dynasty as Spain held strong. However, the Americans ultimately sealed the deal.
On Saturday, Team USA surged ahead in the fourth quarter, defeating Spain 76-66 to reach the FIBA Women’s World Cup final, extending their remarkable winning streak that has lasted since 2006.
Spain maintained pressure for most of the game, even tying it 58-58 as they entered the final quarter. But Team USA’s late-game prowess shone through as they outscored Spain 18-8 in that last period.
Breanna Stewart led the team with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kahleah Copper contributed with 13 points, while Jackie Young added 12 points and 5 rebounds, making significant contributions late in the game, scoring 6 points in the fourth quarter to help the U.S. pull ahead.
After the game, Stewart emphasized that sticking to the fundamentals made the difference as the pressure mounted. “Just continue to do the little things,” she mentioned, highlighting the importance of rebounding and their defensive improvements in the second half.
Stewart acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “This is going to be challenging, and obviously we have the biggest one tomorrow. We’re going for gold, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Despite the win, it was somewhat messy. Team USA only managed a 40% shooting rate from the field and hit just 3 out of 18 three-point attempts, paired with 15 turnovers. They also recorded only 9 assists, which is concerning, especially since Caitlin Clark has been leading the team in that area.
Clark, again coming off the bench, had a minimal impact with only 1 point, 1 assist, and 1 rebound, shooting 0-for-3. Paige Bueckers scored 6 points, while Angel Reese added 5.
At halftime, with a narrow lead of 39-36, head coach Kara Lawson pointed out the need for improved precision in coverage and noted that the team had been turning the ball over too much, which cost them opportunities. She reiterated the need to “stay aggressive and stay calm.”
Spain found scoring from Maria Conde and Iyana Martín, each with 17 points; however, they only managed 8 points in the critical fourth quarter.
Now, Team USA is set to face France in a bid for their fifth consecutive World Cup title. Stewart remarked that France is “a really tough team” and expressed confidence that the Americans could quickly move past their close call with Spain.
