Caitlin Clark reacts after impressive performance for Team USA

While Caitlin Clark is undeniably one of the best players and one of the faces in women's basketball, she has to earn her stripes like everyone else.

That's why she didn't get the nod to start for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup opening 94-61 win over China.

Coach Kara Lawson rolled with veterans Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young as the starting guards, with Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart rounding out the starting lineup.

However, Clark was more than glad to come off the bench, and she was nothing but supportive of those who got the nod over her.

Caitlin Clark gushes about Team USA's depth 

“You know, obviously playing around so many talented players,” Clark said (h/t HITC). “Obviously, our guards are incredible, and our post players too. But anybody I pass the ball to, it feels like they’re never going to miss a shot. So that’s one of my goals when I come into the game, facilitate, play fast, set up my teammates, get into the paint, get some penetration. Especially with their zone, that was one of my focus points.”

Clark still led all Team USA players with 25:29 minutes; no one else played more than 20. 

She finished the game with 14 points, 11 assists, and three three-pointers on 4-for-9 from the floor, tied with fellow reserves Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard for the most on the team.

Clark has been tangled up in multiple controversies since she entered the WNBA, so watching her praise her teammates and embrace a lesser role should work wonders for all the negative narratives.

Also, it's not like she would be the first superstar to have to take a back seat while the proven players take the court first. That's just the way it goes when they play for Team USA.

She's off to an electric start to the tournament, and with a double-double to kick things off, she might already be the way-too-early candidate for tournament MVP.

Clark and Team USA will have one day off before squaring off vs. Italy and the Czech Republic on Sep. 6 and 7.