Paris, France — In a game where Team USA effortlessly rolled past Japan with a 102-76 victory, it wasn’t just the scoreboard that had people talking. The real highlight? A pre-game sign that sent WNBA stars Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson into a fit of bemused giggles, sparking a spicy sideline spectacle.
Picture this: The calm before the storm, the air thick with anticipation, and there it was—a fan-made sign held aloft like a beacon of controversy. The message? A cheeky call for Caitlin Clark’s inclusion on the Olympic team, accompanied by the ominous warning: “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.” The sign might have been small, but the reaction it triggered was anything but.
As sideline reporter Kerith Burke captured the scene, Griner, Wilson, and Alyssa Thomas were spotted sharing a hearty laugh over the bold declaration. It’s not every day you see Olympic champions doubled over in mirth before a game, but then again, it’s not every day you encounter a sign with the audacity to suggest Team USA might be in need of reinforcements—specifically, those in the form of WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
Now, if you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just avoiding basketball news), you might not know that Clark, the Indiana Fever’s latest prodigy and assist machine, was a hot topic leading up to the Olympics. Fresh off her All-Star debut, where she helped Team WNBA topple Team USA in Phoenix, Clark’s exclusion from the Olympic roster was as surprising as a missed free throw from Steph Curry. Head coach Cheryl Reeve, however, has maintained a poker face throughout the saga, seemingly unfazed by the growing chorus of fans chanting for Clark’s inclusion.
Back to the court, where Griner and Wilson showed no signs of being distracted by the pre-game chuckles. Wilson, in particular, played like she had something to prove—maybe to the sign, maybe to herself, or maybe just because she’s A’ja Wilson. With a monster double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds, she led Team USA to their 56th consecutive Olympic win, as if to say, “Caitlin Clark or not, we’ve got this.”
But let’s not forget the humor in all this. The idea that a single rookie, no matter how talented, could be the linchpin for a team that boasts a lineup reading like a Hall of Fame guest list is, frankly, hilarious. It’s like suggesting you need an extra cherry on a sundae that’s already smothered in whipped cream and sprinkles.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: The Olympic stage isn’t just about medals and records; it’s about the stories, the drama, and yes, the occasional eye-roll-inducing fan sign. Whether or not Caitlin Clark should be on this team might remain a topic of debate, but one thing’s for sure—Team USA is having the last laugh, one victory at a time. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see Clark holding her own sign, reading, “Told you so.” Until then, let the games—and the giggles—continue.