.jpg)
58 minutes ago
3
Caitlin Clark did not occupy her usual position at the center of an offense during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Indiana Fever teammate Lexie Hull may have been even more impressed because of it.
Clark came off the bench in all six games as Team USA captured its fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. Although some fans questioned coach Kara Lawson’s decision to use Clark with the second unit, Hull saw the situation as another example of what makes Clark such a valuable teammate.
“I think with Caitlin, what stood out was just how much she embraced really whatever the team needed from her,” Hull said in an interview released Monday.
Clark still made a significant contribution despite playing a different role than the one she holds with Indiana. The three-time WNBA All-Star averaged 7.8 points, 5.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game. Clark led Team USA in playing time while operating as a reserve.
She saved one of her best performances for the championship game, scoring 12 points on 80 percent shooting in only 13 minutes as the United States defeated France 97-79.
Lexie Hull praises Caitlin Clark’s sacrifice
Clark is accustomed to starting, controlling the ball and playing heavy minutes for the Fever. Team USA required something different.
Lexie Hull 📸 https://t.co/yYujvLUs9k pic.twitter.com/IQmzKzPV70
— Athlete Vanity (@AthleteVanity) September 20, 2026Lawson asked Clark to lead the second unit, create opportunities for a roster filled with stars and remain ready without knowing exactly when she would enter each game.
Hull appreciated how Clark handled the adjustment.
“It’s just a testament to her as a teammate,” Hull said. “It shows that she will put the team above her own goals.”
Clark remained one of the tournament’s most effective passers and consistently pushed the pace when she entered. Her willingness to accept the assignment also helped Lawson manage a roster in which nearly every player held a starring role with her WNBA team.
Aliyah Boston made a similar sacrifice during the tournament, and Hull praised both of her Indiana teammates for prioritizing the United States’ championship goal.
Team USA ultimately completed another unbeaten run and secured the 12th World Cup championship in program history.
MORE: Breanna Stewart sends playoff warning as Liberty dismantle Tempo
Fever turn attention back to WNBA playoffs
Clark, Boston and the Fever returned from the international break with work remaining in the WNBA regular season. Indiana entered its final two games with a 27-15 record and the No. 5 position in the standings. The Fever remained within reach of a top-four finish, which would bring home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
Their final two games will come against the Minnesota Lynx, the team with the WNBA’s best record. Indiana hosts Minnesota on Tuesday before closing the regular season Thursday at Target Center. The Fever will need Clark to return to her familiar role as their primary playmaker and one of the league’s most dangerous scorers.
Clark entered the final week averaging 22.7 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game. She also ranked third in scoring, giving her an opportunity to become the first player to lead the WNBA in assists while finishing among its top three scorers.
Her responsibilities will look significantly different than they did with Team USA. Hull’s comments indicate Clark had no problem adjusting when winning required something else.
English (US)