Caitlin Clark faces questions regarding reserve role for Team USA

Critics are questioning Team USA head coach Kara Lawson about her decision to keep Caitlin Clark in a reserve role during tournament play. Despite scoring nine points and recording seven assists in 22 minutes of play during a 105-64 victory over the Czech Republic, Clark continues to come off the bench. Former sportscaster Linda Cohn and other observers argue that Clark should be in the starting lineup to capitalize on her ability to influence game tempo and passing. Team USA holds a 3-0 record entering their next matchup against Hungary this Thursday. Speculation regarding Clark's playing status has persisted since the tournament began, with some fans on social media calling for increased usage of the Fever guard. Lawson has publicly praised Clark for her performance as a reserve, noting her ability to change the pace of the game.

• 5:17 PMYahoo Sports — ‘I don’t know if this is dumb, deranged or both’: Criticism mounts for Team USA after Caitlin Clark decision
• 9:29 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You come off’ – Linda Cohn begs Kara Lawson to put Caitlin Clark in Team USA starting lineup over 4x WNBA champ
• 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Help me to understand’: Criticism mounts over decision to bench Caitlin Clark