​Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesCaitlin Clark played a pivotal role in Team USA’s flying start to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.Team USA have silenced their doubters following a stunning 94-61 opening-day win over Team China at the FIBA World Cup.Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was at the center of the win, thanks to her terrific double-double performance.To be precise, Clark finished the night with 14 points and 11 assists to her name without committing even a single turnover.Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesCaitlin Clark explains why pressure is not a negative thingHeading into the game, many were worried if Clark could handle being the face of Team USA in the absence of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.Aside from answering that with her on-court performance, Clark also explained why she never gets nervous under pressure.“This is like such a privilege and honor to be here. I don’t worry about all that. Like I’m just excited to go play basketball. I remain confident in what I can do.“… At the end of the day, we have one goal and that’s to win gold, and you’re gonna do whatever you can to help the team,” Clark said.She added, “So that’s always what I try to remind myself of, but I don’t look at the pressure as a negative. Like I think that’s a really cool thing and I just try to enjoy it as much as I can.”The superstar guard also credited Team USA coach Kara Lawson for instilling confidence in her and the rest of her teammates before the tournament.Read more:Caitlin Clark makes statement after breaking Team USA FIBA World Cup record Caitlin Clark sets new USA record in historic FIBA World Cup debutHow Caitlin Clark’s Fever teammate reacted to rival Angel Reese’s Team USA photoshoot