WNBA legend Tina Charles does not feel it’s fair to single out Caitlin Clark’s struggles in a recent close call by Team USA against Italy.
On Sunday, the Americans were nearly upset by Italy, with the tournament favorite USA coming away with a 55-52 victory.
The Indiana Fever star point guard Clark was held by Italy to just 1 point and a salty 0/6 shooting from the floor. For what it’s worth, she’s never failed to get a bucket in a college or WNBA game. The former WNBA Rookie of the Year received plenty of criticism for her forgettable performance, but Charles didn’t like hearing much of the derision focused on Clark.
“I think it’s a little bit unfair to isolate Caitlin Clark from Team USA,” she said on TNT’s pregame show before Monday’s game between Team USA and Czechia.
“Clark had the rhythm in the first game, so did Team USA. Clark struggled to find that rhythm (on Sunday), and so did Team USA. I think the lesson for Team USA and Clark, is okay, ‘What I’m used to doing is not available, or I’m not able to do that; what is the second thing I’m gonna do to impact this game? Like, what am I gonna do during this possession? What does this possession need from me?'”
Tina Charles on Caitlin Clark’s performance yesterday:
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) September 7, 2026
“I think it’s a little bit unfair to isolate Caitlin Clark from Team USA… pic.twitter.com/WYI5UWxs7a
To Charles’ point, none of Team USA’s players had a great game against Italy. Paige Bueckers scored 7 points on 2/5 shooting, while Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier combined for only 11 points on 3/14 shooting. For all the talent on the team, the Americans made only 28.6% of their field-goal attempts.
But Team USA bounced back against Czechia, finishing group play unscathed with a 105-64 win. This time around, the Americans shot 52.5%, with Clark scoring 9 points on 3/8 shooting.
