USA vs. China Box Score, Reaction from 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Group Ahead of KO Bracket

Team USA got its title defense off to an impressive start Friday at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, defeating China 94-61 in its opening game of group play.

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young all scored in double figures for the Americans in what was a one-sided affair.

Making her FIBA World Cup debut, Clark was the standout for the United States, as the Indiana Fever star was the only American to post a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists.

Clark, who came off the bench, had just five points at halftime, but they were of the impressive variety, as she absorbed contact to make a layup and drilled a long three-pointer:

She truly hit her stride during the second half, helping Team USA balloon its 20-point halftime lead to 33 by the end of the game.

Clark looked the part of the United States' best player on Friday, and she garnered plenty of praise on social media because of it:

As excellent as Clark's performance was, the even more encouraging takeaway from Friday's game for the U.S. may have been its smothering team defense.

The Americans held China to just 32 percent shooting from the field and 26 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Team USA also forced 16 turnovers.

That style of play figures to serve the United States well regardless of who it plays in Berlin, as the Americans look to win their fifth consecutive FIBA Women's World Cup.

They will return to action Sunday for another Group D game against Italy before finishing group play Monday against Czechia.

Assuming Team USA wins Group D as expected, it will begin knockout round action on Thursday.