Don't Stay So Long With the Veterans": Linda Cohn Delivers Verdict on Kara Lawson's Coaching as Caitlin Clark Struggles Against Italy

Team USA Women survived a scare at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup on Sunday, Sept. 6, beating Italy 55-52 in the group stage despite expectations of a rout. After the narrow win, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark struggled against Italy, scoring one point in 18 minutes. Women’s basketball analyst Linda Cohn posted on X that coach Kara Lawson “stays too long” with either veterans or younger players without mixing them. Cohn urged Lawson to insert Clark into the starting lineup, saying the adjustment could be pivotal and that Lawson will make the right moves Monday. Team USA is 2-0 and next plays the Czech Republic on Sept. 7.