“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, who have some of the best players from the WNBA, almost had a disastrous outcome to their recent game in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. On Sunday, Sept.
On September 6, the United States Women's National Basketball Team (Team USA) squared off against Italy in the group stages of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Despite being the favored team, the Americans faced a close game, ultimately winning by just three points, 55-52. The game raised questions about coach Kara Lawson's coaching strategies, particularly her rotation decisions. Women's basketball analyst Linda Cohn addressed these concerns on her X page following the match.
Cohn praised Lawson's coaching but argued that her team made the mistake of staying too long with either the veterans or the young players without mixing them up. She urged Lawson to be more flexible with her rotations, stating, "Don’t stay so long with the veterans." Cohn emphasized that a good coach should not be afraid to make adjustments and try new strategies.
Cohn also pleaded with Lawson to put star player Caitlin Clark in the starting lineup, despite her poor performance against Italy. In just 18 minutes of play, Clark contributed only one point, four rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a block. However, Cohn believed that Clark's star power would prevent her from having two consecutive one-point performances and that a fresh start in the starting lineup could inspire her to perform better.
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