Critics question Kara Lawson regarding Team USA rotation at FIBA World Cup

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:51 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Critics question Kara Lawson regarding Team USA rotation at FIBA World Cup
Summary

Team USA remains undefeated following the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup group stage, but coaching decisions regarding the starting lineup have drawn criticism. Broadcaster Robin Lundberg questioned the selection of Chelsea Gray as the primary point guard, citing superior point differentials for teammates Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. While the team moves toward the quarterfinal round, analytics suggest the most effective American lineups incorporate both Clark and Bueckers alongside Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, and Rhyne Howard. These combinations recorded a +76.4 rating during limited minutes in the opening stages of the tournament. Kara Lawson faces pressure to adjust these distributions as the competition shifts to knockout games. Team USA is scheduled to face Hungary in the upcoming quarterfinal matchup to determine a path toward the semifinals.

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By the Numbers
  • Team USA enters the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals following a sweep of the group stage.
  • Broadcaster Robin Lundberg identified Chelsea Gray as a tactical point of contention for head coach Kara Lawson.
  • Data indicates Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers lead the roster in assist rates and point differentials.
  • A lineup featuring Clark, Bueckers, Reese, Boston, and Howard recorded a +76.4 rating during group play.
  • Team USA faces Hungary in the next round of the tournament.
Latest Updates
  • 11:51 PMYahoo Sports“Simply Not The Best Point Guard” – WNBA Broadcaster Raises Questions Over Kara Lawson’s FIBA World Cup Tactics
What they're saying
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Team USA may have swept the group stage, but fans and experts are still not convinced by their starting lineup and rotations at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Joining the conversation is Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg, who isn’t convinced by Kara Lawson’s tactics. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Lundberg bluntly [...]

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