SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return from an injury in her U.S. senior national team debut, finishing with 17 points and 12 assists as the Americans beat Senegal 110-46 on Wednesday in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.
Clark sustained a right groin injury in a WNBA game for the Indiana Fever in July and hadn't played since then. The former Iowa star averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds in just 13 games in her short second season after starting her pro career by being named rookie of the year.
She was back in rhythm Wednesday, helping the Americans shoot 58.7% from the field and 54.8% from 3-point range. The United States took control with an early 15-0 run and led 59-19 at halftime.
Rhyne Howard led the way with 21 points as a reserve.
It was coach Kara Lawson's first win as the U.S. coach. She'll go for her second on Thursday night against host Puerto Rico.
WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
FILE - Caitlin Clark (17) brings the ball upcourt during a training camp for the U.S women's national basketball team, Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 on Wednesday night, moving above .500 with their third straight victory and sixth in seven games.
Eighth in the Western Conference at 33-32 after opening 6-21, the Clippers had their highest points total of the season. They blew out Minnesota after beating New York on Monday night to open a five-game homestand.
Leonard was 15 of 20 from the the field, 6 of 9 on 3s and made 9 of 10 free throws. Los Angeles made 19 of 37 3s.
Bennedict Mathurin scored 22 points for Los Angeles. Clippers newcomer Darius Garland had 21, hitting five 3-pointers.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 36 points and Naz Reid had 18.
Minnesota dropped to sixth in the tight Western Conference, but only a half-game behind the third-place Lakers. The Timberwolves have lost three in a row after winning five straight. They lost to the Lakers on Tuesday night to open four-game trip.
Leonard scored 18 points in the first quarter to help Los Angeles take a 38-27 lead. He had 28 at the half, with the Clippers up 74-65, and went to the fourth with 39 and LA ahead 109-98. Los Angeles had a 44-30 edge in the fourth.
Timberwolves: At Golden State on Friday night.
Clippers: Host Chicago on Friday night.
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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland gestures after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) draws a foul against Los Angeles Clippers forward Isaiah Jackson (23) and guard Jordan Miller (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
