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Some fans and analysts wondered how this year's Team USA women's basketball team would look if they had Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Entering the Paris 2024 Olympics, the team had the opportunity to win their eighth straight gold medal with a stacked roster. Following how the final game went down against France in a close victory, several fans shared strong reactions.
France simply didn't go away in front of their home crowd as Gabby Williams converted on a huge three-pointer to bring her team within one point. Team USA extended their lead to three points, courtesy of Kahleah Copper's two free throws. However, Williams came back once again and instilled brief fear in the Americans after she made a tough jumper during a fastbreak sequence.
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The converted field goal was ruled a two-pointer, and USA Basketball escaped with a hard-fought 67-66 victory. The USA struggled with their shotmaking from beyond the arc (17.0% shooting), which had fans arguing that Caitlin Clark's inclusion would have made a difference. Meanwhile, some fans commended the team for securing the victory over France.
"We need Caitlin Clark and Angel," a fan said.
"CC woulda made it a blowout," a fan said.
X users Bobby Cushing (@BCushJourn) and HIM (@boogieszn_) praised Team USA for their impressive victory and another gold medal finish. Meanwhile, X user Ghostface Killa (VGKBetta) shared a nervous reaction to France's Gabby Williams' final shot at the buzzer.
"Eight. Straight," the fan posted.
"That last shot made my heart drop," the fan posted.
"Beat France twice, won gold twice," the fan posted.
Some people envisioned this team having Caitlin Clark, such as Warriors' Draymond Green. He believed it would have benefitted the WNBA brand and driven women's basketball forward. Luckily for Team USA, they finished with gold, as some fans were already forming narratives that included the Indiana Fever rookie and what she would have contributed to the squad.
Caitlin Clark talked about watching the USA Basketball Women's Olympic Team
During an appearance on the YES Network live broadcast, Caitlin Clark shared her experience watching the Women's Olympic team from the comfort of her home.
"I've watched," Clark said. "I just love international basketball. I think it's so different. And you also watch the men, it's very different from how the NBA is played. ... I think it gives you something to work for, and obviously it's a tough turnaround. I only played 10 games in the WNBA before they picked the roster."
Despite what others might think or feel about the WNBA rookie being snubbed from Team USA, Clark argued that she was still transitioning to the professional league when the basketball program finalized their roster. She shared her passion for the game and how it's played on the international stage.
