Overview
- The United States escaped a 55-52 test against Italy on Sunday by shooting 29 percent overall and 1-for-12 from three-point range while Jackie Young was the only American to reach double figures and Caitlin Clark went 0-for-6.
- U.S. defense produced the margin for victory in that game by forcing 18 turnovers and holding Italy to 31 percent shooting as Cecilia Zandalasini missed a potential tying 3 at the buzzer.
- The team rebounded with a 105-64 win over Czechia on Monday led by Breanna Stewart’s 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, a result that finished group play 3-0 and clinched a quarterfinal bye.
- Coach Kara Lawson’s rotation choices, especially Clark’s limited minutes in the Italy game, prompted public and media scrutiny and renewed calls to find lineups that better use Clark’s playmaking.
- Late withdrawals of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum reduced veteran depth and, combined with the U.S. shooting inconsistency, underscore the risk posed by rising international parity as the tournament shifts to single-elimination play.