Caitlin Clark's 11 assists mark first U.S. feat since 1998

Team USA opened the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 94-61 victory over China in Berlin, extending its World Cup winning streak to 31 games. Caitlin Clark made a standout international debut, recording 14 points, 11 assists and no turnovers in 25 minutes while earning Player of the Game honors. Her 11 assists made her the first U.S. player to reach 10 assists in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley in 1998, highlighting Clark’s impact as a facilitator as well as a scorer. Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard also scored 14 points, Jackie Young added 12, and all 12 U.S. players scored at least two points. China’s significant size advantage, led by Zhang Ziyu and Han Xu, created challenges inside, but the Americans’ speed, ball movement and defense controlled the game. Team USA next faces Italy before concluding group play against Czechia.