USA Women’s Basketball Team Dominates in FIBA World Cup Opener

Caitlin Clark showcased an impressive performance in her global championship debut. Coming off the bench, she scored 14 points and made 11 assists. This was during the U.S. women’s basketball team’s emphatic win in the FIBA World Cup opener. The team triumphed over China with a score of 94-61 in Berlin, continuing their unbeaten streak.

Despite the absence of key player A’ja Wilson, the U.S. delivered a commanding performance. This game served as a rematch of the previous championship encounter in 2022. Then, the U.S. had secured victory with an 83-61 scoreline.

The U.S. women’s team has now extended their winning streak to 67 successive victories. This includes both the Olympics and World Cup matches since their 2006 semifinal against Russia. In World Cup play alone, they have notched up 31 consecutive wins.

Kara Lawson’s debut as head coach in a global championship game was marked by a reliance on experienced players. She appointed a starting lineup composed of 2024 Olympic gold medalists Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart. Young talents like Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese contributed off the bench.

Caitlin Clark reflected on the experience, stating, Being surrounded by five people that have won a gold medal before at the highest level, you just try to follow their lead and take every bit of wisdom that they can give you. She further added, Whatever role I have, I’m going to come in and do it to the best of my ability.

Clark’s 11 assists marked a significant achievement. She completed the most assists by an American woman in a FIBA World Cup game since Dawn Staley in 1998. The last similar double-double performance in points and assists was by Teresa Edwards in the 1996 Olympics against Australia.

Clark expressed her game approach: Anybody I pass the ball to, it feels like they’re never going to miss a shot. That’s one of my goals when I come into the game, facilitate, play fast, set up my teammates, get into the paint, get some penetration.

Clark, alongside Bueckers and Rhyne Howard, led the game with 14 points each. Clark played for 25 minutes without any turnovers, while Bueckers played for 20 minutes. Both contributed significantly to the U.S. success.

In Wilson’s absence, all 12 American players scored and played at least 10 minutes. Wilson, along with Kelsey Plum, was replaced in the roster due to health issues. Coach Lawson focused on developing team chemistry with the current roster.

Both of them, obviously, been great players for us. I’ll miss being around them, but ultimately, we’ve kind of moved on, Lawson remarked. We’ve got to focus and prepare for this tournament with the 12 players that are here.

The U.S. will next face Italy on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET, followed by a game against Czechia on Monday at 2:45. The knockout rounds may test the team further, especially with strong competitors like France, who have eight WNBA players in their squad.