Written by David Thompson.
Last night, Caitlin Clark drew an enormous crowd in Washington, D.C., marking the largest attendance for a women’s professional basketball game in over 17 years. A staggering 20,333 tickets were sold, and fans certainly got their money’s worth as Clark showcased her incredible skills.
Clark dazzled with 30 points, 7 three-pointers, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. She has consistently sold out every venue she’s played at this year, demonstrating her immense popularity and talent. Remarkably, this was an away game, further highlighting her draw as a top-tier athlete.
Despite holding numerous scoring records in women’s basketball, it was announced today that Caitlin Clark has been omitted from the US Women’s Basketball Team for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Controversial Omission
Caitlin Clark was invited to attend the Team USA training camp in April but had to decline due to her commitment to her team’s trip to the NCAA Tournament final. This decision has now led to her exclusion from the Olympic roster, as confirmed by David Eickholt of 247Sports.
Christine Brennan of USA Today first reported this shocking news shortly after midnight on Saturday. Clark, who recently became the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, has continued to impress in her rookie WNBA season with the Indiana Fever.
In her first 14 games, Clark has averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. She has already had two 30-point games, including a standout performance against the Washington Mystics, where she hit a career-high seven 3-pointers. This feat made her the fastest rookie in WNBA history to record over 200 points and 50 assists.
Fans and Experts React
The decision to leave Clark off the Olympic roster has been met with widespread criticism and disbelief. Fans and analysts alike are baffled by the omission of such a phenomenal talent. Clark’s impressive statistics and game-changing performances make her exclusion seem inexplicable.
The uproar from fans is understandable, given Clark’s incredible track record and her ability to draw large crowds and deliver electrifying performances. Her absence from the Olympic team feels like a significant oversight by the selectors, sparking debates and discussions across the sports community.
Our Take
Leaving Caitlin Clark off the US Women’s Basketball Team for the Olympics is a grave error. Her remarkable achievements, both in college and her early WNBA career, prove she belongs on the global stage. This decision not only deprives the team of an outstanding player but also disappoints countless fans who were eager to see her compete.
In an era where sports should celebrate and leverage exceptional talent, Clark’s exclusion sends a baffling message. The selectors’ failure to recognize her contributions and potential is a disservice to the sport and its supporters. It’s essential that such decisions are scrutinized to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Caitlin Clark WENT OFF in the Indiana Fever’s win over the Mystics
30 PTS (53.3 FG%)
7 3PM (53.8 3PT%)
8 REB
6 AST
4 STL
38 Minutes#WelcometotheW | Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase pic.twitter.com/h2hfMR0P2O— WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2024