The United States women’s national basketball team kicked off their gold medal campaign at the Summer Olympics in Paris with a commanding win over Japan, cruising to a 102-76 victory at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Yet, it wasn’t the game itself that had everyone talking—it was a cheeky pre-game sign that set the stage for a comedy show starring Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson.
“We Need Caitlin Clark!”
As the players warmed up, a Japanese fan held up a sign that read, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” The sign referred to the WNBA rookie sensation who was controversially left off the 12-player Olympic roster. The reactions from Griner, Wilson, and their teammate Alyssa Thomas were priceless. Sideline reporter Kerith Burke captured the trio pointing and laughing at the sign, with expressions that screamed, “Oh, really?”
A Small Sign, A Big Laugh
The sight of these basketball titans giggling like school kids over a handmade sign was a spectacle in itself. Griner, Wilson, and Thomas—boasting three WNBA championships between them—seemed to appreciate the fan’s audacity. Head coach Cheryl Reeve, on the other hand, has largely kept mum on Clark’s exclusion, possibly because she’s tired of answering the same question over and over.
Caitlin Clark: The Fan Favorite
Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and rookie All-Star, has become a fan favorite and a lightning rod for controversy. Her standout performance in the All-Star Game, where she helped Team WNBA defeat Team USA, only fueled the debate over her Olympic snub. As the league leader in assists per game and the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, Clark’s absence in Paris has left fans and analysts scratching their heads.
The Show Goes On
Despite the swirling debate, Griner and Wilson didn’t let the sign—or the controversy—distract them from their mission. Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, led Team USA with a stellar 24-point, 13-rebound double-double, helping secure the team’s 56th consecutive Olympic win. The Americans dominated the game, proving that while Caitlin Clark might be a fan favorite, Team USA can still deliver a knockout performance without her.
Final Thoughts
The playful banter sparked by a fan’s sign added a layer of humor to an otherwise straightforward Olympic opener. While the debate over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion continues to rage on, one thing is clear: Team USA is here to win, with or without the rookie sensation. And if their pre-game giggles are any indication, they’re going to have a lot of fun doing it.
Stay tuned for more Olympic action, where the drama on and off the court promises to keep us all entertained.