Team USA came out swinging on Day 1 of the FIBA World Cup, absolutely dismantling the No. 4-ranked country, China, with a dominant 94-61 victory. We knew the Americans were good, but making one of the top teams look “pedestrian” in a 33-point blowout? That’s just unreal, and guess who was leading the charge straight out of the gate: Caitlin Clark, dropping a double-double in her World Cup debut that has the whole basketball world buzzing.
Caitlin Clark Just Made A Statement, And The League Noticed
Talk about an entrance! Caitlin Clark was an absolute nightmare for China. Seriously, they couldn’t stop her from hitting her signature 3-ball whenever she wanted. And if she wasn’t draining shots from deep, she was slicing into the paint like it was her personal playground, dishing out “oodles of dimes” with those top-percentile passes. The stats for her World Cup debut are just wild: 14 points, 11 assists, and a monster +30 when she was on the court. But the craziest part? She ended the night with an impressive zero-turnover game. Think about that for a second: 11 assists and not a single turnover in her first major international competition against a top-four team. It’s super early, yeah, but Clark playing this well, this efficiently, against a squad like China is screaming one thing: Team USA might just cruise to another World Cup title if she keeps this up.
Reese and Iriafen Stood Tall Against China’s Giant Frontcourt
While Clark was running the show in the backcourt, Team USA’s frontcourt had their hands full, and then some. China rolls out some serious size, with Zhang Ziyu standing at an incredible 7-foot-3 and Han Xu right there at 6-foot-11. With A’ja Wilson out for the competition, it was up to Angel Reese, at 6-foot-2, and Kiki Iriafen, at 6-foot-3, to step up and take on those defensive duties. And let me tell you, they did a stellar job. These two were hustling early, fronting Zhang and Han, doing everything in their power to deny them the ball in the post. Even when China’s giants managed to get the ball, Reese and Iriafen made sure it was in the worst possible spots: further from the basket, off-balance, and under heavy contest. Zhang Ziyu still managed 13 points off the bench, but nine of those were from the free throw line, showing the pressure she was under. Han Xu had 11 points but shot a tough 5-for-14 from the field. That’s a win for our smaller, scrappier bigs!
Other Favorites Flex Their Muscles, Setting Up Future Showdowns
Team USA wasn’t the only favorite making waves on Day 1. France, who nearly snatched the 2024 Olympic final from Team USA by just one point, looked like they’re ready to avenge that loss. Their Big 3 of Marine Johannès, Dominique Malonga, and Gabby Williams each poured in 17 points in France’s dominant 99-53 win over Hungary. Spain also took care of business, beating Germany 83-53. So, no major upsets on the opening day, just a lot of impressive performances setting the stage. This is just Day 1, but if Clark keeps balling out like this and our frontcourt can hold down the fort against massive threats, it’s gonna be a wild ride. Team USA looks hungry, and honestly, the rest of the world might just be playing for second place already.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
Leave a Reply