Team USA started their gold-medal defense strong with a dominant win against China on Friday. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard led the scoring, each chipping in 14 points.
USA dominated their opponents, 94-61, in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup gold medal game. In addition to her 14 points, Clark finished with 11 assists and three rebounds. She was also efficient from three-point territory, shooting 42.9% on three makes.
The Indiana Fever star showcased her signature three-point shot in the second quarter.
Sonia Citron inbounded the ball to Clark. The Fever star then passed it to Napheesa Collier on the elbow. The Lynx star gave it back to Clark, and she drilled it from way downtown. The three extended Team USA’s lead to 16 points.
FIBA posted a slo-mo video of Clark’s three-point bomb, and it’s a must-see.
“When the replay is almost better than the play 😮💨,” the caption read.
Not only was she providing scoring and incredible shooting, but Clark also facilitated the offense for Team USA. Her 10th assist came in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot guard shook her defender with a crossover and dished the ball to Angel Reese, who then scored the layup.
Clark’s 11 assists in the game were the most by a Team USA debutant in the World Cup.
Clark and Co. are now preparing for their next challenge as they will face Italy on Sunday. They will then close out the group stage on Monday when they battle the Czech Republic.
The Americans are expected to sweep Group D and book a spot in the quarterfinals. They have won the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup gold medal four times in a row. With a great collection of WNBA talent this year, they are heavily favored to win their fifth consecutive gold.
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