Caitlin Clark and Team USA opened up their FIBA World Cup account in dominating fashion, crushing world No. 4 China 94-61. But while just about every Team USA player looked sharp against Team China, Caitlin Clark’s star shined brightest of all.
With 25 minutes played, Clark saw the most minutes of any Team USA player and the second-most by any player in the game, behind only China’s Manman Zhang. Clark made the most of her time on the court, scoring 14 points – tied for the most on Team USA – and recording a game-leading 11 assists.
After the game, not even the official FIBA World Cup account was willing to deny Clark’s greatness. FIBA posted a photo of Clark standing alone with a game MVP trophy and wrote the caption, “Caitlin Clark posing together with a better player than herself.”
Best in the World
Fans couldn’t help but give the FIBA social media admin props for the brilliant post:
“FIBA Admin- You’re spoiling us,” one user remarked.
“This FIBA Admin, whoa nelly. I hope everyone on this side of the pond is taking notes. Absolute cinema,” wrote another.
“AYE MAKE THIS THE FEVER ADMIN WTF?????” a third wrote.
“And to think that the WNBA is afraid to say it: MVP.”
Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Team China was supposed to be Team USA’s biggest challenge in the preliminary round of the FIBA World Cup. With games against Italy and Czech Republic coming up, it seems that any notions that the team might struggle early on are wildly misplaced.
Barring something truly historic, Clark is in all likelihood going to return to the Indiana Fever in a few weeks as a World Cup champion, having helped Team USA secure an unprecedented fifth straight title and 12th overall title.
Not bad for her first taste of international duty.
