Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 *** German Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China on September 4, 2026, in Berlin at the Max Schmeling Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
Deutschland: Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China am 04.09.2026 in Berlin Max-Schmeling-Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 *** German Basketball, FIBA Womens World Cup, USA vs. China on September 4, 2026, in Berlin at the Max Schmeling Halle: Caitlin Clark USA, 12 Angel Reese USA, 15 Copyright: xSvenxHeidmannx
Media personality Jason Whitlock has heavily scrutinized WNBA star Caitlin Clark throughout team USA’s World Cup run. However, after Clark and co. clinched Team USA’s fifth consecutive title, the 59-year-old heaped praise for the veterans in the squad.
While the rookies were instrumental, it was the seniors who stole the show. Whitlock praised the way they led the team in the absence of one of the greats, A'ja Wilson.
“Kara Lawson and her coaching staff won the gold without A'ja Wilson,” Whitlock wrote on X. “That's a credit to them and the veteran players who were trashed the entire World Cup.”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart 30 dribbles with the ball in the first half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever on July 18, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 18 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon071826080
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JULY 18: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart 30 dribbles with the ball in the first half of play during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever on July 18, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUL 18 New York Liberty at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon071826080
Lawson's experience-first lineup, which benched Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, proved decisive in the absence of Wilson, who opted out due to health reasons.
Breanna Stewart received her third World Cup MVP award while Jackie Young, with 18 points, became the first player in the final to put together over 15 points.
“Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, Khalelaah Copper, Rhyne Howard…. SALUTE. Leadership and guts,” he added in his X post.
Kahleah Copper also scored 15 points in the final, helping her team comeback against France.
While Whitlock’s praise for the veterans is commendable, his heavy criticism of Clark has not sat well with the fans.
Whitlock eventually came out to defend himself.
Whitlock's broader critique: why Clark's stats don't support his argument
Jason Whitlock questioned Caitlin Clark’s decision making. However, fans criticized his argument, labelling it as an engagement move.
“There isn't a single person alive with a functioning brain who think Caitlin Clark is the only athlete I criticize. Not one,” Whitlock wrote on X. “And criticism that starts with "she can be an all-time great player" isn't really criticism.”
Whitlock pointed out that Clark’s poor decision-making was keeping her out of the starting lineup in Berlin. However, the stats contradict his statement.
According to Team USA assistant coach Stephanie White, Clark was “managing the game” at the World Cup. Before the final, Clark averaged 7.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game.
In the final matchup, Clark played a key role in shifting the momentum by scoring a three-pointer, just moments before halftime.
In just 13 minutes, the WNBA star scored 12 points and three assists as Team USA secured its 12th World Cup title.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar