Team USA opened its FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 94-61 victory over China in Berlin on Friday, with Caitlin Clark contributing a double-double in her senior international debut.
Clark, who entered the game off the bench, played the most minutes of any player on the team (25) and finished with 14 points, 11 assists, and 4-of-9 shooting including three three-pointers. Paige Bueckers, also coming off the bench, added 14 points and 4 assists in 20 minutes, while Rhyne Howard scored 14 points with four three-pointers in 18 minutes. Team USA’s starting lineup included Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young at guard, with Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper, and Napheesa Collier rounding out the five.
Team USA’s dominance in the early stages set the tone, with the team shooting 45% from the field and out-rebounding China 47-41. The U.S. led by as many as 30 points in the second quarter before coasting to the win. Clark’s debut followed a historic August in the WNBA, where she set multiple league records, including scoring or assisting on 44.7 points per game and recording back-to-back 30-point, 10-assist performances.
Coach Kara Lawson’s lineup decisions drew attention, as Clark and Bueckers did not start despite their recent performances. Lawson emphasized the team’s depth and experience, stating Clark had been "great" and "coachable" during her first interactions with the program. Team USA previously defeated China in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup gold-medal game, a matchup that featured similar roster selections.
Clark’s role in the victory extended beyond scoring, as her playmaking facilitated Team USA’s transition game and ball movement. The U.S. maintained control throughout, with all 12 rostered players seeing court time. The win marked the beginning of Team USA’s title defense in the tournament, with their next match scheduled against Serbia on Monday.