“Who Needs Caitlin Clark Anyway?” say A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart as they Dominate Japan in a Blowout
VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — In a plot twist no one saw coming (except maybe everyone), a Japanese fan proudly waved a sign declaring, “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” Spoiler alert: the U.S. women’s basketball team didn’t get the memo.
Despite chucking up bricks from the three-point line like it was a summer construction project, Team USA leaned into their size advantage and steamrolled Japan, 102-76, at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Remember that time Japan almost beat the USA in the Tokyo Olympics? Yeah, neither do we.
Paint Domination: A Tale of Two WNBA MVPs
A’ja Wilson, possibly channeling her inner basketball deity, decided to show up and show out. She scored eight of the Americans’ first ten points faster than you can say “MVP,” ending the night with 24 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Breanna Stewart wasn’t about to let Wilson steal all the glory, though. She chipped in 22 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, effectively making sure Japan knew what it felt like to be a chew toy in a dog’s mouth.
While Japan opted for a Hail Mary strategy, launching threes like there was no tomorrow, they were simply no match for the American bulldozer inside the paint. Wilson and Stewart basically set up camp under the basket, turning the game into their personal highlight reel.
The Phantom Fanbase
The atmosphere? Let’s just say it was more “intimate gathering” than “Olympic showdown.” Entire sections of the 27,000-seat arena sat empty, a stark contrast to the packed houses that France and Spain enjoyed. The U.S.-Japan matchup could’ve been mistaken for a really intense practice session if it weren’t for the sporadic “U-S-A!” chants that broke out in the fourth quarter. Diana Taurasi summed it up best: “I was rooting for Japan, too,” she quipped, acknowledging their underdog spirit.
Shooting Woes and Defensive Pros
Team USA’s shooting performance from beyond the arc was, to put it mildly, atrocious—just 4-for-20. Japan, meanwhile, hit 15 of 39 threes, but it didn’t matter. The Americans out-rebounded them 56-27 and outscored them in the paint 64-22. Coach Cheryl Reeve’s halftime pep talk was simple: “Don’t get bored.” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Caitlin Clark: The Ghost that Haunts
The elephant not in the room was Caitlin Clark. Despite the U.S. women’s overwhelming success, the absence of the Indiana Fever rookie sensation—who has a cult following larger than some countries—was keenly felt. German fans wearing Clark’s Iowa jerseys lamented her absence, and even South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley admitted that in hindsight, Clark’s recent WNBA performance might have earned her a spot on the Olympic team.
Clark and Angel Reese had their moment against the national team during the WNBA All-Star Game, making the veterans sweat a bit before their Olympic journey. And yet, despite her physical absence, Clark’s presence was palpable. Her name was on everyone’s lips, proving that while the U.S. women’s team can dominate on the court, winning hearts might be another game entirely.
What’s Next?
With the knockout rounds approaching and the tournament shifting to Paris, the U.S. women will need to keep their foot on the gas. Their sheer dominance is undeniable, but the lingering question remains: Would Caitlin Clark’s star power have made this Olympic journey even more thrilling? As the debate rages on, one thing is certain—A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are not here to play; they’re here to conquer.
And maybe, just maybe, by the time the 2028 Olympics roll around, Caitlin Clark will be leading the charge, with Felicia and Judy from Germany cheering her on from the stands.
Final Score: Team USA 102, Japan 76.
