Caitlin Clark Shines in U.S. Women’s Basketball Team’s FIBA World Cup Opener

Caitlin Clark played a pivotal role in her first global championship appearance, contributing 14 points and 11 assists off the bench for the U.S. women’s basketball team at the FIBA World Cup. This tournament marks the largest international competition before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In the team’s opening match, the U.S. defeated China 94-61 in Berlin, despite the absence of A’ja Wilson. This victory was a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final, where the U.S. emerged victorious 83-61.

The U.S. extended its impressive winning streak in Olympic and World Cup play to 67 consecutive games, a run dating back to the 2006 World Championships semifinals against Russia. In World Cup play alone, the U.S. has won 31 matches in a row.

Kara Lawson, debuting as head coach in a global championship, continued the U.S. team’s tradition of emphasizing experience. Her starting lineup consisted of 2024 Olympic gold medalists Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart.

Younger players, including Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, contributed significantly from the bench. Speaking on her experience, Clark said, “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.”

Clark’s 11 assists set a record for an American woman in a FIBA World Cup game, a feat not achieved since Dawn Staley’s 12 assists in 1998. Additionally, Clark managed a double-double with points and assists, a rarity last seen in the 1996 Olympic group stage by Teresa Edwards.

The match saw Clark, Bueckers, and Rhyne Howard each achieving a game-high of 14 points. Clark and Bueckers secured the most playing time, showcasing their skills especially in the second half.

Lawson praised Clark’s impact, stating, “Caitlin was terrific coming off the bench, changing the tempo of the game, her playmaking.” Every player on the team scored and participated for at least 10 minutes in Wilson’s absence.

Wilson, alongside Kelsey Plum, was not on the roster due to health issues; Plum is sidelined for the rest of the WNBA season due to a lower leg injury. Lawson commented on their absence by expressing, “Both of them, obviously, been great players for us. I’ll miss being around them, but ultimately, we’ve kind of moved on.”

Looking ahead, the U.S. will face Italy on Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET and conclude group play against Czechia on Monday at 2:45 p.m. ET. The knockout rounds, starting with the quarterfinals next Thursday, are expected to test the team further.

Although the U.S. had a challenging final at the 2024 Olympics, narrowly beating host France 67-66, France presents a substantial challenge again at this World Cup, boasting eight WNBA players, second only to the U.S.