An opposing fan found a humorous way to troll the U.S. women’s basketball team during the Summer Olympics in Paris on Monday.
Before the tip-off of Team USA’s game against Japan, Kerith Burke of NBC Sports Bay Area captured a video showing a Japanese women’s team fan holding a sign that read, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” The sign was a playful jab, referencing the highly talented former Iowa star who had been controversially left off the U.S. roster.
Despite the fan’s clever taunt, the message didn’t hold up for long.
The U.S. team delivered a dominant performance, securing a 102-76 victory in their first game of the group stage, showcasing their depth and talent without Clark.
RELATED: Caitlin Clark Continues to Enjoy the Open Water On Vacation With Teammates
Team USA’s decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the roster has sparked considerable debate and criticism. Many believe that her exclusion was influenced by jealousy from some of her WNBA peers, who may have been envious of the attention Clark garnered this season.
However, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, a member of the selection committee, has refuted these claims, offering an unexpected explanation for Clark’s omission.
Regardless of the controversy, the U.S. women’s basketball team’s track record speaks for itself. They have won seven consecutive Olympic gold medals and have remained undefeated since 1992.
While the decision to exclude Clark might seem petty to some, the team’s performance in Paris suggests they are more than capable of continuing their legacy of excellence without her.
