Early morning basketball? Only if Caitlin Clark is playing. And Caitlin was cooking when she saw the court this morning. The 7:00 tip time was too early for many but those who tuned in were treated to a spectacular debut from the Iowa legend. The Des Moines native put up an impressive 14 points and 11 assists in 25 minutes of work. Each of those numbers lead team USA in its respective category. For her efforts, she was named player of the game.
Skill Beats Size
Team China presented some serious size with its roster,
especially in the post where Han Xu (6’11”) and Zhang Ziyu (7’3”) were able to get rebounds for extra possessions, shoot over defenders, and block and change shots. Ultimately post size would prove to be China’s only real advantage, though. Team China struggled to keep up with the speed of team USA, struggled with ball control, and struggled to finish at the rim despite getting some decent looks at times.
Team USA generally looked like a team that was comfortable playing together and did not lack confidence. For the game the team was 38% from three, but was especially hot in the first quarter. The team finished with 26 assists on 34 made baskets, a really good ratio that confirms what the eyeballs told me – there seems to be no sense of selfishness or ego on this team.
A peerless facilitator
Despite coming off the bench, Caitlin led team USA in minutes and when she was not on the floor, it was noticeable as the team had a harder time moving the ball and getting open looks on offense without her. USA did not play a minute without either Clark or WNBA legend and starting point guard Chelsea Gray on the floor, something I expect will be the case throughout the FIBA action. It seems obvious that one of those two will be needed to keep the offense flowing; the rest of team USA, skilled as they are, just can’t quite find the open player and manipulate a defense the way Clark and Gray can.
Even among the elite women’s players in the world, Clark is doing things that put her head and shoulders above her peers as a playmaker. 11 assists is just not a common statistic for any player in this sport. Add to that the incredible shot making, sneaky speed, and elite ability to read and manipulate defense and we really are watching our hometown hero play at an elite level even among elite competition.
I really hope observers of this event will appreciate just how special what she is doing is. There simply is not another player who can do what she does.
Up Next and How to Watch
If you missed the early morning tip today, there’s good news. You have a few more chances to see Caitlin playing for team USA:
Sunday Sept. 6 – USA vs. Italy 1:45CST on TNT
Monday Sept. 7 – USA vs. Czechia 1:45 on TNT/TruTV
Following this short group stage schedule the tournament games will be held on September 10 (quarterfinals) September 12 (Semifinals) and September 13 (finals).
