Caitlin Clark sets assist record, US women's national team demolishes China at FIBA World Cup

The US women's national team opened their FIBA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 94-61 victory over China, as Caitlin Clark shone with 14 points and 11 assists – breaking the US single-game assist record since 2026. Paige Bueckers also contributed 14 points, and the backcourt duo showed remarkable chemistry in their World Cup debuts. The game, held in Sydney, Australia, was the group stage opener. From the first minutes, the US overwhelmed China with high-paced offense and intelligent passing. Clark, the Indiana Fever star, repeatedly stretched China's defense with pinpoint passes. According to FIBA statistics, she created 11 direct scoring opportunities via assists, a figure unprecedented in US team history since Dawn Staley recorded 11 assists at the 2026 World Cup. "It's incredible to play with such talented teammates," Clark said after the game. "I just try to find the open person. Paige and I had a natural connection from the first practice." Paige Bueckers, playing as the secondary ball-handler, also had an efficient game. She scored 14 points on high shooting percentage while making no mistakes in decision-making. "When you have Caitlin on the court, the defense has to focus on her. That opens up a lot of space for me and others," Bueckers shared. Tactically, the US fully exploited their backcourt creation ability. Clark and Bueckers alternated ball-handling, confusing China's defense. When Clark was double-teamed, she quickly passed to Bueckers or forwards like Breanna Stewart (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Napheesa Collier (10 points, 7 rebounds). The US offense scored 94 points on 52% shooting, impressive against a taller team like China. Another notable point was the frontcourt rebounding. With Stewart, Collier, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese, the US grabbed 24 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards. This neutralized China's height advantage, especially the presence of 19-year-old, 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu. Zhang made 9/10 free throws and had 2 blocks, but she only grabbed 6 rebounds and couldn't stop the pressure from US forwards. "We knew Zhang Ziyu was a threat in the paint," US head coach Cheryl Reeve said. "But we prepared well. Our forwards did a great job battling for position and limiting her easy touches." For China, besides Zhang Ziyu, Han Xu had 8 points and 5 rebounds. However, China's guards could not keep up with the speed of Clark and Bueckers. They allowed 94 points, the most in a World Cup game since 2026. China's head coach, Zheng Wei, admitted: "We tried to control Clark, but she is too smart. Every time we pressed, she found an open teammate." This victory extends the US women's winning streak to 31 games, an incredible record. The team is aiming for a fifth consecutive World Cup title. With 9 of 12 players making their World Cup debuts, the US shows superior depth thanks to the WNBA development pipeline. "We have a new generation of talented players," Reeve added. "Caitlin and Paige are only 22 and 23. They will go even further. The important thing is that they have integrated immediately with veterans like Breanna and Napheesa." The US's next games are against Italy on Sunday and the Czech Republic on Monday. If they maintain this form, the US will be the number one contender for the championship. Meanwhile, China will have opportunities to bounce back against weaker opponents in the group. In-depth analysis: The Clark-Bueckers combination could change the landscape of women's basketball Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers played together for the first time at the national team level, and the result exceeded expectations. Clark, with her elite vision and passing, made her teammates better. Bueckers, with diverse scoring skills and intelligent movement, was the primary target for Clark's passes. According to FIBA data, Clark recorded 11 assists, including 4 to Bueckers, 3 to Stewart, and 2 to Collier. The even distribution shows Clark reads the game comprehensively, not just targeting one teammate. Defensively, the US also impressed. They held China to 61 points on 38% shooting. They especially limited Zhang Ziyu's post touches. When Zhang got the ball, the US immediately double-teamed, forcing her to pass out. As a result, China scored only 12 points in the paint, very low compared to their potential. "We practiced a lot on defending tall players," Stewart explained. "We knew Zhang Ziyu is dangerous, but if we hold our positions and help each other, she can't do much." Another key factor was the US's fast transition. After each rebound, Clark or Bueckers immediately pushed the ball up, creating easy scoring opportunities before China's defense could set. The US scored 22 fast-break points compared to China's 6. The turning point came late in the second quarter when the US extended the lead to 48-30 thanks to a series of Clark assists. China tried to cut the deficit in the third quarter with Zhang's free throws, but the US responded with three-pointers from Bueckers and Jewell Loyd. At the end of the third, the score was 72-48, and the fourth quarter was a formality. Looking ahead, the Clark-Bueckers combination promises to be the foundation for the US women's team for years to come. Both are very young, with all-around skills and high competitive spirit. If they continue to develop, the US will not only dominate the World Cup but also be the top contender for the 2028 Olympics. For China, this defeat is a valuable lesson. They have superior height but lack guard speed and creativity. To compete with top teams like the US, China needs to improve perimeter defense and develop more creative guards. "We will learn from this game," Coach Zheng Wei said. "The US is the strongest team in the world, but we saw their weaknesses. We will come back stronger in the next games." Conclusion: The 94-61 victory of the US over China is not just a result, but a statement of overwhelming strength. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have proven they are the future of US women's basketball. With their leadership, the US women's team is on its way to a new era of dominance. Meanwhile, China's Zhang Ziyu also left her mark with 9/10 free throws and 2 blocks. She is only 19 and has plenty of time to develop. If China builds a team around her, they could become a future force. The upcoming games will show whether the US can maintain this form, and whether China can recover from this heavy defeat. One thing is certain: the world of women's basketball is witnessing the rise of a new generation of players, and Caitlin Clark is leading the way.