Caitlin Clark made an immediate impact in her FIBA Women’s World Cup debut Friday, offering a clear glimpse of the next wave of USA Basketball talent as the program’s long-running dynasty began a fresh chapter.
Stepping onto one of the sport’s premier international stages, Clark delivered 14 points and 11 assists off the bench, powering the United States to a commanding 96-61 win over China in its group-play opener.
“This is such a privilege and honor to be here,” said Clark, who appears likely to eventually assume the starting point guard role from Chelsea Gray. “I don’t worry about all that (pressure). I’m just excited to go play basketball. I remain confident in what I can do.”
For years, USA Basketball has separated itself through continuity, depth and a selfless style that turns individual stars into a cohesive force.
This roster, however, marks a notable shift: it is the youngest U.S. team since 1994, featuring six players under the age of 25.
With all the newness of this roster, including seven first-time members to the senior national team at a major competition, this first game was supposed to be a feeling out process as the team is still getting acquainted with one another.
But the U.S. looked like it had been training for months for this moment.
The Americans started their most seasoned group: Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
But head coach Kara Lawson ensured everyone saw the court by early in the second quarter.
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The U.S. set the tone early and mastered the game plan while managing to handle China’s major size advantage even without four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who’s not competing in the World Cup because of a back issue.
The tallest player on the court was 19-year-old, 7-foot-3 Chinese center Zhang Ziyu, who’s 10 inches taller than Aliyah Boston.
It was a battle in the post all day, but the U.S. managed to have a four-point advantage in the paint.
The U.S. moved the ball well, dishing out 26 assists on 34 made field goals with only eight turnovers.
It was a balanced, well-orchestrated effort.
All 12 players scored, including eight in the first quarter.
Rhyne Howard and Paige Bueckers joined Clark in leading the team with 14 points apiece.
“It was a great team effort for us,” Lawson said. “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.”