“We’ll See if That’s the Same”: Kara Lawson in “Fact-Finding” Mode With Caitlin Clark as She Ponders How FIBA Defense Will Impact Fever Star

Team USA coach Kara Lawson is excited about playing Caitlin Clark at the FIBA World Cup. She believes Clark’s ability to stretch the floor could be crucial. However, she hasn’t decided on minutes and roles for the Indiana Fever superstar.

While addressing the media on Tuesday, Lawson said she was in “fact-finding” mode about how Clark would be defended in FIBA competition compared to the WNBA.

“She’s somebody that can change games, with her ability to create pace, her ability to score, play make, and so that’s something that is going to be a great fit for the personnel that we have on this team,” Lawson said about Clark.

“She’s somebody that can change games, with her ability to create pace, her ability to score, play make, and so that’s something that is going to be a great fit for the personnel that we have on this team,” Lawson said about Clark.

“You know, her ability to get going and get hot, and to stretch the floor, the spacing that she provides. The attention that she generally draws in the WNBA. We’ll see if that’s the same… We’ll have to see, since it’s her first time here, how people defend her; is it similar to what we see in the States, or is it a little bit different. So, we’re still in fact-finding mode in some of those areas.”

“You know, her ability to get going and get hot, and to stretch the floor, the spacing that she provides. The attention that she generally draws in the WNBA. We’ll see if that’s the same… We’ll have to see, since it’s her first time here, how people defend her; is it similar to what we see in the States, or is it a little bit different. So, we’re still in fact-finding mode in some of those areas.”

Clark played at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in March and was the tournament MVP. With other top players commanding significant defensive attention, Clark found more space than she normally does in the WNBA. She averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.9% from the field, including 40.0% from 3-point range.

However, the competition wasn’t as good as it would be during the FIBA World Cup. Clark will also play more minutes with experienced players like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who were unavailable in March.

Caitlin Clark was returning from a lengthy injury absence in March. Nevertheless, she still managed to be the best player on Team USA. Ahead of this week’s FIBA World Cup opener, Clark is better prepared. She’s confident in her body again after dealing with a series of injuries last year and a back issue this season.

Clark’s performances this season show how clearing that mental hurdle has helped her play better and more consistently. In August, Clark averaged 24.4 points, 9.4 assists and 1.1 steals, while shooting 47.5% from the field and 40.8% from 3-point range in 11 games. She had six double-doubles in that stretch.

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