Caitlin Clark made a significant impact in her FIBA Women's World Cup debut, recording a 14-point, 11-assist double-double off the bench to help the U.S. secure a commanding 96-61 win against China in their opening group play match.
"This is such a privilege and honor to be here," Clark stated. "I don’t worry about all that (pressure). I’m just excited to go play basketball. I remain confident in what I can do."
Clark's performance signals a new chapter for the U.S. Women's National Team, which is the youngest squad fielded since 1994, featuring six players under the age of 25. Despite the roster's newness, with seven first-time members on a senior national team for a major competition, the team displayed seamless chemistry, looking as if they had trained together for months.
The U.S. began the game with a seasoned starting lineup including Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart. Head coach Kara Lawson ensured all 12 players saw court time by the second quarter.
The team effectively set the tone early, executing their game plan and successfully managing China's size advantage. This was achieved despite the absence of four-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson, who is sidelined due to a back issue. China's roster included 19-year-old, 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu, who presented a significant height challenge.
The U.S. maintained a four-point advantage in the paint throughout the game. The team's ball movement was a key factor, with 26 assists on 34 made field goals and only eight turnovers. Every player on the roster scored, with eight players contributing points in the first quarter alone.
Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers matched Clark's 14 points, leading the team in scoring. "It was a great team effort for us," Lawson commented. "You’re in this pool play scenario and there’s obviously that goal at the end of it to try and win the pool and have the bye straight to the quarterfinals and so the tournament piece, to start off against a real good team, China presented a lot of problems for us. We just had a lot of different people in different moments step up, and that’s what we need. We’re at our best when we have a lot of different people contributing."