- JuJu Watkins’ 2024 postgame defense of Caitlin Clark has resurfaced on social media.
- Watkins scored a USC-record 51 points against Stanford on February 2, 2024.
- Watkins returned from a serious ACL injury on November 2, 2026, scoring 21 points against UNLV.
JuJu Watkins’ Caitlin Clark Defense Resurfaces
A video showing USC basketball star JuJu Watkins defending Caitlin Clark during a postgame interview has attracted renewed attention on social media in November 2026. The exchange took place on February 2, 2024, after USC defeated Stanford 67-58, when Watkins was 18 years old and in the middle of her freshman season.
Watkins delivered one of the most memorable individual performances in USC women’s basketball history during that game. She scored a career-high 51 points, setting the school’s single-game scoring record and producing the highest scoring total by any Division I women’s basketball player during the 2023-24 season. Watkins also recorded 11 rebounds, four steals and six three-pointers in the victory over Stanford.
Watkins Rejects Manufactured Rivalry With Caitlin Clark
During her postgame interview with the Pac-12 Network, commentator Mary Murphy jokingly dismissed Caitlin Clark while praising Watkins’ historic performance. Watkins immediately rejected the comparison and made clear that she respected Clark, refusing to take part in a manufactured rivalry between two prominent figures in women’s college basketball.
The moment has gained fresh relevance as Watkins continues her college career after recovering from a serious ACL injury. She returned to competition on November 2, 2026, following 588 days away from the court. In her comeback game, Watkins scored 21 points as USC defeated UNLV 100-68.
Why This Matters
Watkins’ comments highlighted the intense attention surrounding elite women’s college basketball players while also underscoring her respect for Caitlin Clark. The resurfaced video connects Watkins’ record-setting freshman performance with her return from a lengthy injury absence, giving renewed context to her status at USC and the broader interest in her college career.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did JuJu Watkins defend Caitlin Clark?
Watkins defended Caitlin Clark during a Pac-12 Network postgame interview on February 2, 2024, after USC defeated Stanford 67-58.
How many points did JuJu Watkins score against Stanford?
Watkins scored a career-high 51 points, setting USC’s single-game scoring record and the highest total by any Division I women’s basketball player that season.
When did JuJu Watkins return after her ACL injury?
Watkins returned to competition on November 2, 2026, after 588 days away. She scored 21 points in USC’s 100-68 win over UNLV.
