Caitlin Clark had 14 points and 11 assists as Team USA opened the FIBA Women's World Cup with a dominant 94-61 victory over China.
Team USA opened the Women's World Cup in dominant fashion, cruising past China 94-61 behind a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive effort.
Guards Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Rhyne Howard led the team in scoring with 14 points apiece. Clark also dished out 11 assists, becoming the first Team USA player to record more than 10 assists in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley in 1998.
Although this is only the first game of World Cup play, Team USA's win over China puts the program on track to compete for its fifth consecutive FIBA Women's World Cup gold medal.
Team USA Gets Contributions Across The Roster
All 12 players on Team USA scored and contributed to the win. Guard Jackie Young finished the game with 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds while shooting 45.5% from the field.
Young's play in the second quarter helped Team USA get into rhythm and take control of the game. China played a zone for a majority of the game, and its size did provide some issues for Team USA.
Forward Luo Xinyu and center Zhang Ziyu caused matchup problems for the U.S. early in the game. Xinyu finished with 13 points and six rebounds while shooting 60% from the charity stripe.
Zhang finished the game with 13 points and six rebounds while shooting 90% from the charity stripe.
The USA roster features forwards Aliyah Boston, Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, and Kiki Iriafen, along with guards Paige Bueckers, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Sonia Citron, Howard, Clark, and Young.
Kara Lawson is Team USA's head coach, along with assistant coaches Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White. Jose Fernandez and Tia Jackson are serving as scout coaches.
Team USA Continues World Cup Group Play
The U.S. will face Italy on Sept. 6 at 2:45 p.m. ET and will follow up on Sept. 7 against Czechia at 2:45 p.m. ET.
The U.S. women's national basketball team has been one of the most dominant teams in international play.
Team USA has won eight consecutive Olympic gold medals and four straight World Cups. Most international teams have players who have played together dating back to their teenage years, while the U.S. has only a few weeks to practice together.
The last time Team USA lost a World Cup or Olympic game was in the 2006 World Championship semifinals against Russia. The U.S. went on to win the bronze medal.
Despite playing without forward A'ja Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum, the program was able to add younger talent for the future.
