ARLINGTON, Texas — In a remarkable display of skill and vision, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark shattered the WNBA record for assists in a single game, dishing out 19 during the Fever’s 101-93 defeat to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night. The match served as the Fever’s last game prior to the month-long hiatus for the Olympics.
Clark’s achievement was met with a mix of pride and modesty. As she paused to reflect on her milestone, teammate Aliyah Boston interjected, “She’s going to say it means nothing,” Boston said. “But I think it’s pretty cool. So, sorry.”
Despite the historic feat, the game’s conclusion left Clark visibly frustrated. With 36 seconds remaining and the Fever trailing by four points, Clark was trapped and turned the ball over to Natasha Howard, who secured the possession for the Wings. This critical moment underscored the competitive nature of the game and Clark’s drive for perfection.
Clark’s record-setting assist came when she found Kelsey Mitchell for a 3-pointer that tied the game at 93 with just over two minutes left. However, the Fever couldn’t maintain their momentum, as Dallas closed the game on an 8-0 run to seal the victory.
The previous record for single-game assists in the WNBA was held by Courtney Vandersloot, who tallied 18 assists for the Chicago Sky on August 31, 2020. On September 28, 2021, Vandersloot once again achieved 18 assists in a playoff game. Moreover, Ticha Penicheiro had previously set the rookie record with 16 assists for the Sacramento Monarchs on July 29, 1998.
Clark’s individual performance was notable beyond her assists. She scored 24 points, though she struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 9 three-point attempts. Boston, on the other hand, had an outstanding game, scoring 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting, with eight of her baskets coming off assists from Clark.
“I just try to set my teammates up for success. I think at times I can almost overpass,” Clark admitted. “There probably could have been a few times where instead of passing that leads to a turnover, I may have shot the ball. Especially with Boston, I’m just looking to set her up so much. My eyes are almost always on our post players.”
Clark’s remarkable performance this season places her in elite company. In a significant milestone, she has become the first rookie and the ninth player in WNBA history to achieve at least 400 points and 200 assists in a single season. Notable players who have previously accomplished this remarkable feat include Chelsea Gray, Alyssa Thomas, Sue Bird, Jordin Canada, Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Williams, and Vandersloot.
In her previous high-scoring game of the season, Clark registered 13 assists, a record she achieved on four separate occasions. In the latest game, she achieved a remarkable feat during a 95-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. Her consistent ability to facilitate her teammates and rack up assists has been a significant asset for the Fever, even in a season marked by ups and downs.
While the Fever’s loss to the Wings highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly in defense and ball handling, Clark’s record-breaking performance remains a bright spot and a testament to her talent and potential in the league. As the Fever head into the Olympic break, Clark’s achievements provide a solid foundation and a source of inspiration for the team’s future endeavors.