Team USA women’s basketball team dismantled Japan, 102-76, on Monday in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Before the game tipped off, however, Team USA was sent a message by a Japan fan, who was holding up a sign about Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Clark’s absence from Team USA’s roster has been a controversial topic in the women’s basketball world for weeks.
The Japan fan shared his thoughts on the subject, calling out Team USA before the matchup.
“You need Caitlin Clark to beat us,” read the fan’s sign.
Following the blowout win for Team USA, fans made sure to call out the Clark fan, given the 26-point victory.
“This is Quite Hilarious!!!!,” said one fan.
“Bro made a huge mistake,” said another fan with a laughing emoji.
“Lol are ppl forgetting the women’s team for the US has won like 6 titles back to back,” commented another fan.
Team USA center Brittney Griner (15) high-fives teammate Kelsey Plum (5) during the WNBA All-Star Game against Team WNBA at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
At 22 years old, Clark’s chances of making Team USA’s roster were slim, even though she’s had a successful rookie season in the WNBA.
The first-year star out of Iowa has averaged 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, leading the league in average assists.
She was selected to the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, which proves she’s one of the best in the game, but contrary to the Japan fan’s belief, the USA team is stacked with talent.
Some of the best players in women’s basketball, like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, lead the way, while veterans like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner bring experience to the roster.
Clark’s fans have clearly been frustrated with Team USA’s decision, but Wilson, Stewart, and company showed that they can be quite successful in Olympic Games with its current roster.
