WNBA
Caitlin Clark Sets WNBA Record with 19 Assists in Fever's Loss to Wings
ARLINGTON, Texas – In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark etched her name into the WNBA history books by recording a league-record 19 assists in a single game. Despite her remarkable performance, the Fever fell short against the Dallas Wings, losing 101-93 on Wednesday night at the College Park Center.
Clark's 19 assists surpassed the previous record of 18, held by Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky, a milestone set during a playoff game in September 2021. The former rookie assist record of 16, established by Ticha Penicheiro for Sacramento in 1998, was also eclipsed by Clark's stellar playmaking.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams and their fans. The Fever, who trailed by as much as 16 points early in the game, mounted an impressive comeback to take a six-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Wings rallied back, with crucial plays from Natasha Howard and Arike Ogunbowale sealing the victory for Dallas.
Clark's record-breaking assist came with 2:22 left on the clock when she orchestrated a play that led to a three-pointer by Kelsey Mitchell, tying the game at 93. Unfortunately for the Fever, the Wings responded with an 8-0 run to close out the game.
In addition to her 19 assists, Clark also contributed 24 points, making 10 of her 19 shots, and grabbed six rebounds. Her performance was a testament to her versatility and skill, further solidifying her status as one of the league's most promising newcomers.
Aliyah Boston also had a standout game for the Fever, leading all scorers with 28 points and eight rebounds. NaLyssa Smith added a double-double, showcasing the depth of talent on the Fever's roster. Despite the loss, the performances of Clark and Boston provided a silver lining for Indiana.
On the Wings' side, Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims each scored 24 points, while Howard delivered an all-around performance with 17 points, eight rebounds, and multiple steals and blocks. Their contributions were pivotal in securing the win for Dallas.
The Fever's head coach, Christie Sides, praised Clark's performance, stating, "Caitlin's vision and ability to find her teammates in scoring positions is exceptional. She continues to push the boundaries of what we expect from a rookie."
With this game, Clark also set the Fever's single-season assist record and became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points and 200 assists, achieving this milestone in just 26 games. Her rapid ascent in the league has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats, and her future looks incredibly bright.
The Fever now head into a break until August 16 due to the 2024 Summer Olympics. While the pause might disrupt their recent momentum—they have won three of their last five games—it also provides an opportunity for players to rest and prepare for the final stretch of the season. The Fever currently hold an 11-15 record, placing them in the middle of the WNBA standings.
The Wings, despite their victory, remain at the bottom of the standings with a 6-19 record. However, the win against the Fever showcased their potential and the talent within their ranks, suggesting that they could be a formidable opponent in the future.
As the WNBA gears up for the All-Star break, excitement is building for the upcoming All-Star game featuring Team USA and Team WNBA. Clark, Boston, and Ogunbowale are set to participate, promising an exciting showcase of talent before the league takes a hiatus for the Olympics.
Caitlin Clark's record-breaking night will be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 WNBA season, a testament to her exceptional talent and the thrilling nature of professional women's basketball.