Caitlin Clark has become Team USA’s leading playmaker off the bench.© Image via Ndtv Gallery
Linda Cohn has one clear request for Kara Lawson before Team USA faces Spain. She wants Caitlin Clark on the floor when the game reaches its biggest moments. Clark has come off the bench throughout the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, yet she leads Team USA in assists. After Clark added 10 points and nine assists in Thursday’s 108-56 win over Hungary, Cohn again questioned whether Lawson will trust the Indiana Fever star to close the semifinal. Her answer was simple: “She better.”
Linda Cohn Wants Caitlin Clark To Finish Team USA’s Spain Semifinal
Cohn made her point on The Linda Cohn Show after Clark continued to make an impact as a reserve. She said, “Will Kara Lawson trust Caitlin Clark to finish? You’re not starting her, but do you trust her to finish the game?” Cohn then focused on Saturday’s semifinal against Spain.
The former ESPN host believes Clark’s passing gives Team USA another option when defenses become tighter late in games. Through four World Cup games, Clark is averaging seven assists per game, the best mark by an American player in Women’s World Cup history. Dawn Staley averaged 5.8 assists in 1998, while Chelsea Gray averaged 5.3 in 2022.
Clark also enters the semifinal after another strong outing against Hungary. She scored 10 points, grabbed three rebounds and handed out nine assists in 20:25. Team USA was plus-36 during her minutes, the best plus-minus mark in the game. That gives Lawson plenty to consider if Spain makes the finish close.
Caitlin Clark’s Bench Role Faces Its Biggest Test Against Spain
Lawson has stayed with her veteran starting group throughout the tournament. Before the quarterfinal, she explained, “I think that our starting group’s done a pretty good job of getting us off to good starts, and rotationally from game to game we could change things, but I like where we are right now.” Clark remained in the reserve role.
That approach has still allowed Clark to play a major role. She opened the tournament against China with 14 points and 11 assists, then added seven assists against Czechia. Her scoring has been less steady, but her passing has remained a major part of Team USA’s offense.
Spain now brings a tougher test. The Spanish team is ranked sixth in the world by FIBA and reached the semifinal after beating Australia 89-66. Cohn’s question is no longer about whether Clark should start. It is whether Lawson will put the ball in her hands when Team USA needs a play late.
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