Spain's Megan DiLeo has dismissed the idea that Caitlin Clark coming off the bench gives Spain any edge ahead of their FIBA Women's World Cup semifinal in Berlin on Saturday. USA coach Kara Lawson has started veteran Chelsea Gray ahead of Clark at point guard throughout the tournament despite Clark's superior statistics, but DiLeo insisted Clark's impact is unaffected by when she enters the game, adding that the USA squad is deep and talented regardless of who takes the floor. The clash carries extra significance as a reunion between former Iowa Hawkeyes team-mates, with DiLeo having helped recruit Clark to the university before their careers overlapped there.

Both players have been in strong form heading into the last four. DiLeo, a naturalised Spanish citizen and 2025 WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces, scored 16 points as Spain beat Australia 89-66 in the quarter-final, while the USA thrashed Hungary 108-56, with Clark contributing 10 points and a game-high nine assists. The USA previously beat Spain 84-70 in World Cup qualifying in March, when Clark was named tournament MVP, and DiLeo said she has not spoken to Clark since arriving in Germany but is looking forward to seeing her old friend on court.