Why Sonia Citron could be quietly important at the FIBA World Cup for Team USA

When the game is on the line, the Washington Mystics give the ball to Sonia Citron.

Kara Lawson and Team USA could do the same thing as they begin their pursuit of a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title on Friday.

The Americans might not have that many close games at the World Cup, which runs through Sept. 13 in Berlin, Germany. Team USA is the prohibitive favorite to win the tournament and win a record-extending 12th title.

But in clutch situations, Citron -- an injury replacement for Kelsey Plum -- is about as good as they come in the WNBA. That quality gives Team USA another leg up in a tight game, whether it comes in the group stage or in the final.

Citron is third in the WNBA in clutch shots attempted; these are shots defined as having an "elevated impact" on win probability. The two-time All-Star leads all players in what Inpredictable calls "clutch squared" shot attempts: shots that are crucial to a game's outcome, like a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

Citron has hit six such "clutch squared" shots, all of which have been attempted in the final 2:01 of the fourth quarter or in overtime.

In all, 17.2 percent of Citron's shot attempts have been "clutch" shots, and 4.3 percent are "clutch squared." Both figures lead the WNBA.

Some players have the clutch gene. Others don't. Citron clearly does, and she is a huge reason why the Mystics have returned to the playoffs.

Postseason basketball could well follow a World Cup win in Germany later this month, when Citron could be a surprise contributor despite missing the initial 12-player Team USA roster.