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League: WNBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Ron Harper defends Caitlin Clark during FIBA World Cup performance

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 8:50 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Ron Harper defends Caitlin Clark during FIBA World Cup performance
Summary

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is representing the United States at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany during the WNBA break. Through three games, Clark has averaged 8 points and 6.3 assists. Her performance included a 0-for-6 shooting outing against Italy, marking the first time in her collegiate or professional career she failed to make a field goal. Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper defended Clark on social media against criticism regarding her statistical output, noting her focus on team success. Following the struggles against Italy, Team USA recorded a 105-64 victory over the Czech Republic, during which Clark contributed 9 points and 7 assists. The team continues tournament play in Germany.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Caitlin Clark averages 8 points and 6.3 assists through three FIBA World Cup games.
  • •Ron Harper publicly defended Clark's team-oriented play style on X.
  • •Clark recorded zero field goals for the first time in her career against Italy.
  • •Team USA defeated the Czech Republic 105-64 behind a strong performance from Breanna Stewart.
  • •Clark leads the United States team in assists during the tournament.
Latest Updates
  • 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Caitlin Clark's 3-point shooting not lighting up FIBA World Cup but 'great playmaking' ignites USA
  • 6:24 PMYahoo Sports — Kara Lawson Breaks Silence On Caitlin Clark’s Shooting Struggles At FIBA Women’s World Cup
  • 1:03 PMYahoo Sports — “Go Kick Rocks” — Caitlin Clark Gets Backing From 5-Time NBA Champion Amid FIBA World Cup Struggles
What they're saying
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Caitlin Clark was having a brilliant season before the WNBA went into a 17-day hiatus. Although the league is on a short break, the Iowa-born star is busy representing the United States at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Things, however, aren’t going particularly well for the Indiana Fever point guard in Germany. Her [...]

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Caitlin Clark has yet to fully replicate her WNBA form at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Her shooting struggles have been a major factor. Still, Team USA head coach Kara Lawson remains confident that the Indiana Fever star can get back on track in Germany. “I didn’t even know that, I don’t count how

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Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is known for her long-range 3-pointers. Her shooting has struggled but she's elevates USA Basketball at the World Cup.

Related Teams & Leagues
Indiana FeverLos Angeles SparksMinnesota LynxWNBABasketball

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