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By Megan Armstrong
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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is back like she never left.
The Iowa icon was the Fever's No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and earned All-WNBA, All-Rookie, and Rookie of the Year honors. While she was named an All-Star for the second time last summer, her 2025 season was limited to 13 games by nagging quad and groin injuries. Her first game action since July 15 came on Wednesday.
Clark, 24, made her U.S. senior national team debut. Team USA took on Senegal in its opening matchup of the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Clark didn't start the game, but after subbing in with just over five minutes left in the first quarter, she showed that she hasn't lost her natural feel for the game.
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Clark's first bucket was appropriately a deep three late in the first quarter — officially announcing her return to form.
But the 2024 WNBA assists champion also reminded everyone that she's more than just a 3-point sniper. Clark's best attribute is her court vision, and she recorded eight assists in the first half alone. As a shooter, Clark's first half resulted in a 2-of-2 from the field (both threes) and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. She carried a +23 plus/minus.
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At halftime, the U.S. led Senegal 59-19, so it feels safe to assume they'll emerge victorious from their first of five qualifying tournament games. The FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers will run through March 17. USA Basketball can approach these games as practice because the team qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup by winning the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup last summer.
The 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup is scheduled to begin on Sept. 4 in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. women have won the past four World Cups, dating back to 2010.
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