Caitlin Clark completed an impressive senior Team USA debut at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. The American point guard earned the Tissot MVP award after leading her team to a 5-0 sweep of the competition. Clark’s latest accomplishment prompted fans to react.
One fan wrote:
“WNBA MVP Loading.”
Another fan added:
“Well deserved–stats don’t lie. The sickest part is this is her first time running real competitive 5-on-5 in 8 months. … It’s scary hours when the Indiana Fever season starts.”
One more fan continued:
“That’s the queen right there! Love it!”
Another fan commented:
“More hardware for the GOAT.”
One fan tweeted:
“Baby GOAT! Incredibly well deserved. Consistent impact all tournament!”
The Indiana Fever superstar averaged 11.6 points, second on Team USA, and a tournament-best 6.4 assists per game. Clark’s 14.6 efficiency was the best among the Americans, who predictably dominated the tournament.
Caitlin Clark’s MVP campaign was quite remarkable after she dealt with injuries that limited her to 13 games in the 2025 WNBA season. She hadn’t played competitive basketball for roughly eight months leading up to the tournament in Puerto Rico. Clark admitted “sucking air” in the Americans’ opening game in San Juan before finishing the tournament strong.
Throughout the tournament, Team USA coach Kara Lawson and assistant coach Stephanie White raved about Clark’s playmaking and scoring. The coaches emphasized how the point guard was often the catalyst in the team finding its rhythm. Once the Americans started to roll, there was no stopping them.
This is the second time Caitlin Clark has been named MVP in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament. She first won the award as a member of the Americans’ U19 squad that won gold in the 2021 FIBA World Cup in Hungary.
Caitlin Clark, Team USA Survives Stern Test Against Spain To Sweep FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament
Team USA, which had already qualified for the FIBA World Cup in Germany in September, wanted to test its mettle in Puerto Rico. After dominating the competition in the first four games, the Americans faced a tough test against Spain.
Unlike other opponents, Caitlin Clark and Co. couldn’t overwhelm the Spaniards right off the gate. Team USA led 21-16 after the first quarter, its lowest advantage to open a game in the tournament. The Americans continued to stay in front, leading 44-32 at halftime.
While the Americans tried to march to a comfortable win, the Spaniards refused to cooperate. Spain went toe-to-toe before eventually losing 84-70. Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum combined for 38 points and five rebounds. Dearica Hamby arguably had her best game of the tournament, contributing 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
Caitlin Clark came off the bench to tally seven points, a game-high seven assists, two rebounds and one steal.
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