Caitlin Clark shines as USA beats China 94-61 in Women's World Cup opener

Malaga, Spain – The number 31 is not just a record. It is a cold reminder that for more than a decade, no team on the planet has found the formula to beat the United States women's national basketball team at the World Cup. And in their Group C opener, against a China team boasting a "twin towers" lineup with 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu, Cheryl Reeve's squad continued to show their absolute dominance with a commanding 94-61 victory. From the opening minutes, the game followed a script few expected. Instead of engaging in a direct confrontation with the 7-foot-3 wall under the basket, the U.S. chose a smarter approach: pushing the tempo, moving the ball constantly, and punishing China with three-pointers from beyond the arc. The young trio of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese – names not in the starting lineup – provided a major spark off the bench, closing the first half with a 16-4 run that turned the game into a one-sided affair. Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie, scored just 14 points but displayed a different level of class in playmaking, dishing out 11 assists. She was the center of every offensive possession, reading the game and making passes that not everyone could see. Alongside her, Rhyne Howard added 14 points and Jackie Young chipped in 12, showing a U.S. team that does not rely on any single individual. On China's side, Zhang Ziyu, despite being physically and experientially outmatched, delivered a promising performance with 13 points, including 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. She was a rare bright spot in a Chinese squad overwhelmed by the U.S. defense, which was always ready to double-team to limit her scoring ability. The biggest difference in the game came from tactics. China preferred to play slow, feeding the ball inside to Zhang Ziyu and Han Xu (6-10) – the so-called "twin towers" – but the U.S. decoded this perfectly. They did not contest directly in the paint but instead dropped back to help, clogged all passing lanes, and forced China to shoot from distance – where they lacked the necessary accuracy. This was a statement win for the U.S. They do not need a true center to win; they use speed, intelligence, and roster depth to suffocate any opponent's game plan. At 62, I have witnessed many generations of the U.S. team, but this young, energetic squad has a difference: they are unafraid of any challenge, even a 7-foot-3 giant. Another notable point was the enthusiastic support the crowd gave the U.S. team. Typically, they face indifference from international fans, but the presence of Caitlin Clark – a global phenomenon – has changed that. She signed autographs, took photos with fans before the game, and received warm applause. This shows her appeal transcends American borders, a significant mental advantage for the whole team. This game also raises a big question about the future of Chinese women's basketball. Zhang Ziyu is a rare talent, but history has shown that players with exceptional height often face a very high risk of injury. Having a 19-year-old carry the entire national team's offense is a big gamble. They need a long-term development plan, a suitable conditioning program to protect this "crown jewel," rather than just relying on her physical strength. With this win, the U.S. has made a strong start at this year's World Cup. They will face Italy next, while China will take on the Czech Republic. But perhaps what fans are most looking forward to is Clark's next performance and a potential "rematch" between her and Zhang Ziyu – a battle between two generations, two schools of basketball, and a story that could shape the entire tournament.