Caitlin Clark has not started for Team USA in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, but that hasn’t stopped her from doing what she does best: shooting and playmaking.
In Team USA’s 110-46 win against Senegal in the opener, the Indiana Fever star dished out 12 assists and went 4-of-5 from the 3-point line for 17 points in less than 20 minutes of play.
On Saturday against Italy, Clark stepped up once again, recording 12 points on 2-of-3 shooting from deep. She also had five assists in 22 minutes of action, helping the Americans win 93-59 and improve to 3-0 in the tournament.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
One of Clark’s best plays came at the end of the first quarter when she launched a deep triple with just five seconds left. It gave Team USA a 28-11 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.
FIBA was so impressed by the Fever guard’s shot that it even posted a slow-motion video of her triple, writing in the caption, “Caitlin Clark is poetry in motion.”
The clip naturally drew plenty of attention, with many praising Clark.
“This is a masterpiece, what a delivery!” a fan wrote. A supporter added, “THIS IS MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL OMG.”
“Sheesh,” an impressed follower shared.
“Every second is magical,” a social media user wrote. A commenter further stated, “SHE IS HER.”
Caitlin Clark is poetry in motion 😍 #FIBAWWC x #WeOwnTheGame pic.twitter.com/3bpiZiq13a
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 14, 2026
However, not everyone was impressed by what Clark did. Some viewers noted how the Fever star seemingly traveled in the play, taking five steps before launching her shot.
“5 steps is atrocious Omg,” a critic wrote. Another one said, “this is very much a travel.”
“Holy travel my goat,” a poster noted.
Regardless of what critics are saying, there’s no denying that Clark has been a huge piece for Team USA in the World Cup qualifiers.
Related: Team USA Facing Backlash Over Caitlin Clark Decision