BIG UPDATE: Caitlin Clark point made as Team USA makes hard work of Olympics gold medal match
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark's omission from the Team USA basketball squad looks glaring as the Americans are forced to grind out a close Olympic final against France
As Team USA narrowly edged out France with a tense 68-67 victory in Sunday’s Olympic basketball final, many fans couldn’t help but wonder if Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark could have been the difference-maker.
The game concluded in dramatic fashion as Gabby Williams’ last-second desperation shot for France was disallowed, her foot on the line preventing what could have been a shocking game-winner. Instead, Team USA’s 60-game Olympic winning streak remained intact, avoiding a potential overtime in the gold medal game.
The Americans struggled to find their rhythm in a lackluster first half, heading into halftime tied at 25 against a French team that was largely outmatched on paper. However, two-time reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson rose to the occasion in the second half, leading all scorers with 21 points and securing the gold for Team USA.
Throughout the tournament, some American players delivered underwhelming performances, most notably the 42-year-old legend Diana Taurasi. Once a starter early in the Olympics, Taurasi didn’t even make it onto the court for the final.
Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, has been a breakout star in her rookie WNBA season. Averaging 17.1 points, a league-leading 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, she has been instrumental in pushing the Indiana Fever into playoff contention.
When reflecting on not making the Olympic team, Clark remained gracious and optimistic: “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could have gone either way of me being on the team or not. I’m excited for them and will be rooting for them to win gold. As a kid who grew up watching the Olympics, it’ll be fun to watch them.”
