Caitlin Clark sets assist record, US crushes China at Women's World Cup

Sydney, Australia – The US women's national basketball team continued its dominance with a 94-61 rout of China in the opening game of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. This victory extended the US' winning streak to 31 games and marked the impressive debuts of young stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old sensation fresh off a historic NCAA career, scored 14 points and dished out 11 assists – the most assists by a US player in a World Cup game since 2026, when Dawn Staley achieved the same feat. 'It feels amazing to play alongside such talented teammates,' Clark said after the game. 'I just try to find the best passing angles, and they finish them perfectly.' Paige Bueckers, her former UConn teammate, also contributed 14 points, playing efficiently as the secondary guard. Bueckers emphasized the natural chemistry between them: 'Caitlin draws the defense's attention. When they collapse on her, I have more space to score. That's organic basketball.' Tactically, head coach Cheryl Reeve deployed an offense built around Clark and Bueckers' playmaking, combined with the frontcourt strength of Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese. This quartet grabbed a combined 24 rebounds, giving the US complete control of the paint and limiting the impact of China's 7ft 3in center Zhang Ziyu. Zhang Ziyu, the 19-year-old Chinese prodigy, still left her mark with 2 blocks and 9-of-10 free throws. However, she couldn't change the outcome against the US collective strength. 'We knew Zhang was a threat, but we had a good defensive plan,' Reeve said. 'Our forwards worked hard to push her away from the basket and limit offensive rebounds.' Data analysis shows Clark touched the ball 87 times and created 7 clear scoring opportunities – an impressive figure demonstrating her elite court vision. With 11 assists, Clark broke Dawn Staley's record, raising the question: Can she maintain this form throughout the tournament? According to experts, if Clark continues playing like this, the US will be hard to beat. From an operational standpoint, the US faces no salary cap or FIBA restrictions, allowing full utilization of their deep WNBA talent pool. Nine of the 12 players in this game were World Cup debutants, but they integrated immediately thanks to veterans like Stewart and Collier. 'This is the best team I've ever been part of,' Stewart said. 'Everyone sacrifices for each other.' As women's basketball grows globally, Clark and Bueckers' performance not only cements the US' status but also boosts media and fan interest. Live viewership for the opener increased 35% compared to 2026, according to FIBA data. However, not everything is perfect. The US' heavy reliance on Clark's playmaking could be a double-edged sword if she gets injured or neutralized. Additionally, while the frontcourt is strong, they may struggle against taller teams like Australia or France. 'We need to improve our transition defense,' Reeve admitted. 'China had some fast breaks that caught us off guard.' For China, this loss is not the end. Zhang Ziyu showed immense potential, and with proper development, she could become the cornerstone of Chinese women's basketball. Coach Zheng Wei said: 'We learned a lot from this game. Our young players need time to adapt to international intensity.' Looking ahead, the US faces Italy on Sunday and Czech Republic on Monday. If Clark and Bueckers maintain their form, the US team can certainly defend their World Cup title. 'We don't think too far ahead,' Clark said. 'We focus on the next game and improve every day.' In terms of ripple effects, Clark and Bueckers' performance has attracted sponsor and media attention. Brands like Nike and Adidas have quickly launched campaigns around the two stars. 'This is a golden moment for women's basketball,' sports marketing expert David Carter noted. 'Clark and Bueckers are perfect faces to promote the sport.' Technically, Clark's playing style – with her exceptional vision and passing – is becoming a model for young players worldwide. Coaches at basketball academies in Europe and Asia have started studying her footage. 'Clark has changed how we think about the point guard position,' Spanish national team coach Miguel Mendez admitted. 'She doesn't just score; she makes teammates better.' Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers showed remarkable maturity. She chose smart shots, avoiding direct confrontations with Zhang Ziyu and opting for jumpers or passes. 'I learned that sometimes a layup against a 7-3 center isn't wise,' Bueckers joked. 'So I chose safer options.' Regarding risks, the US team is at low level. With 9 debutants, managing minutes is key to avoid injuries. Reeve rotated the lineup well in the opener, giving starters rest when needed. However, if Clark or Bueckers face fitness issues, the offense will lose significant creativity. Another factor to watch is the US' adaptability to different play styles. Italy and Czech Republic are not as strong as China, but they may use zone defense to limit Clark. 'We've prepared for every situation,' Reeve asserted. 'Caitlin has faced many defensive schemes in college; she knows how to handle them.' Overall, the 94-61 win over China is not just a result, but a statement about the strength and depth of US women's basketball. With Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers leading the way, the US team is writing a new chapter in history. The remaining question is: Can any team stop them?