Insider Reveals Caitlin Clark’s Surprising Weak Spot — U.S. National Team Camp Left Reeling.P1

Excitement was sky-high this past weekend as Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark joined the Team USA senior team training camp at Duke University in North Carolina. After a hiatus since mid-July due to injuries sustained during the Fever’s 2025 campaign, fans and media alike were eager to see the 22-year-old superstar back on the court.

Clark, who has assured fans she is now fully recovered, did not disappoint on the offensive end. Clips from the three-day camp showcased her signature deep-range shooting, pinpoint passing, and lightning-quick ball handling. At times, it looked like she had never missed a beat. But as one viral clip revealed, not everything went according to plan.

In a moment that immediately circulated across social media, Clark bit on a pump fake from Paige Bueckers, allowing the young UConn guard to sidestep and knock down a clean three-pointer. The play, seemingly minor in isolation, reignited a familiar conversation: Clark’s defensive game is still a work in progress.

Observers were quick to note that Clark’s offensive arsenal remains as lethal as ever. During the camp, she drained multiple three-pointers, showcased impressive court vision, and orchestrated the offense with the confidence of a veteran. Her speed, which had been a concern following her injuries, appeared largely restored. For fans worried about her return, these moments offered reassurance that the heart of the Fever’s offense remains in capable hands.

“She looks like herself again,” said WNBA insider Annie Costabile, who was present at the Team USA camp. “Her shot is still there. Her speed is coming back, and her passing timing? Impressive as ever. Anyone watching knows she’s a special talent.”

Yet, Costabile didn’t shy away from critiquing Clark’s defensive output.

“Defensively, anyone who watches Caitlin’s game knows that’s an area that needs improvement,” Costabile told IndyStar’s Fever Insider podcast. She cited Clark’s matchup against Kelsey Plum as particularly revealing, noting that while some rust is expected after months off, the clip with Bueckers highlights the challenges Clark still faces on that side of the ball.

“And then seeing her and Paige on each other… you’re not just looking at one play, you’re evaluating how these two players might operate together in the future. But defensively, there’s still room for growth,” Costabile added.

Clark’s defense has long been considered the “Achilles’ heel” of her otherwise stellar game. While her offensive skill set is already at an elite WNBA level, questions about her ability to consistently lock down opponents have lingered since her rookie season. For Team USA coaches and Fever fans, the training camp offered both hope and a reminder: her defense will need attention if she wants to dominate at the next level.

Caitlin Clark’s defensive limitations aren’t just a talking point for analysts; they could have real consequences for Team USA and the Fever. In high-stakes international competition and playoff scenarios, elite offensive production can only carry a team so far. Opponents are quick to exploit defensive lapses, and at the professional level, even small weaknesses are magnified.

For Clark, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. With offseason work and additional time in training camps like Team USA’s, she has a chance to address these gaps and become a more complete player. Observers at Duke were left cautiously optimistic — her offensive brilliance is undeniable, but the defensive side remains the puzzle to solve.

Despite the critiques, the overarching takeaway is clear: Caitlin Clark is back, healthy, and capable of putting on a show. Her presence in the WNBA and on Team USA is a major draw, and her development — both offensively and defensively — will be closely watched by fans and media alike.

As WNBA insiders point out, Clark’s journey is far from over. With her third season on the horizon, she has the talent, work ethic, and competitive fire to refine her defensive game and solidify her place among the league’s elite. The social media clip that sparked conversation may be what everyone remembers today, but by the end of the next season, Clark could very well redefine what it means to be a two-way superstar in women’s basketball.

For now, though, the message is simple: Caitlin Clark is back, she’s dazzling on offense, and the defensive questions remain. Fans, coaches, and critics alike will be watching — and the WNBA world is holding its breath to see how she answers the challenge.