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US Women's Hoops Dominates China Opener
5 Sep
Summary
- Team USA secured a decisive 94-61 win against China.
- Veteran Olympians praised for setting the tone for the team.
- Younger players like Clark and Bueckers scored 14 points each.
Team USA commenced their 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup journey in Berlin, Germany, with a dominant performance against China. The national squad secured a convincing 94-61 win in their opening group stage match on Friday.
It was a true team effort, with no single player exceeding 14 points. The starting lineup contributed 33 points, while the bench unit was instrumental in the scoring effort, with seven players reaching double figures. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Rhyne Howard led the team with 14 points each.
Following the game, former WNBA star Tina Charles praised the veteran Olympians for setting the tone, enabling the younger players to capitalize on their minutes. Her comments, however, sparked debate among WNBA fans on social media.
Angel Reese also commented on the team's dynamic, noting that many players were experiencing their first FIBA World Cup. She emphasized the value of learning from the experienced WNBA veterans, stating that playing alongside them made competition easier.