Caitlin Clark announced her arrival on the international stage with a record-breaking performance in her FIBA Women's World Cup debut, dishing 11 assists — the most by a USA player in a World Cup debut — as the defending champions cruised to a 94-61 victory over China on Friday in Berlin.
Clark, who scored 14 points on efficient shooting, also committed zero turnovers in a display of composure that belied her first appearance in the tournament. Her 11 assists were the most by a USA player at the World Cup since Dawn Staley recorded 12 against Russia in 1998, and the first time any American has posted 10 or more assists without a turnover in World Cup play.
"It's just organic," Clark's backcourt partner Paige Bueckers said of their chemistry. "She draws so much defensive attention, so a lot of the defense is worried about her."
Bueckers, also making her World Cup debut, matched Clark with 14 points. Rhyne Howard added another 14 for a balanced American attack that never trailed.
Clark revelled in the wealth of offensive talent around her. "Obviously being around so many talented players — our guards are incredible and our bigs too — anybody I pass the ball to, it feels like they're never going to miss a shot," she said. "That's one of my goals when I come into the game: to facilitate."
The game also marked the World Cup debut of 7-foot-3 Chinese centre Zhang Ziyu, who turned heads with 13 points — including 9-of-10 from the free-throw line — in her first senior tournament appearance. The towering 19-year-old's presence forced the Americans to adjust their attack.
"I like to think I'm pretty smart. A layup over some 7-foot-3 centre is probably not the best idea," Bueckers said with a smile.
Clark acknowledged the challenge Zhang posed but praised her teammates for stepping up. "I've never played against a woman of that size. She obviously presented some challenges for us, but you gotta give our post players a lot of credit." Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese combined for 24 rebounds in the paint.
Nine of the 12 players on the American roster — full of WNBA All-Stars — were playing in their first World Cup, yet the USA extended its tournament winning streak to 31 games. Head coach Kara Lawson praised Clark's immediate impact. "I thought Caitlin was terrific, coming off the bench and changing the tempo of the game."
The victory opens the group stage for the USA, who face Italy on Sunday and the Czech Republic on Monday. Quarterfinals begin September 10, with the championship game on September 13.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/clark-bueckers-us-world-cup-9722cd4bfc9310d567ccf89f917a0daa
- https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/09/04/caitlin-clark-double-double-usa-china-fiba-world-cup/91608735007/
