Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, made WNBA history by recording 19 assists in a single game during the Fever’s 101-93 loss to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night. This achievement broke the previous record of 18 assists held by Courtney Vandersloot, set on August 31, 2020, and matched by Vandersloot in a playoff game on September 28, 2021. The rookie record of 16 assists, set by Ticha Penicheiro on July 29, 1998, was also surpassed by Clark.
Clark’s milestone assist came when she set up Kelsey Mitchell for a three-pointer that tied the game at 93 with 2:22 remaining. However, a late turnover by Clark, who was trapped and stripped of the ball by Natasha Howard, proved costly as the Wings ended the game on an 8-0 run to secure the victory.
Despite the turnover, Clark’s performance was remarkable. She scored 24 points and recorded her fifth consecutive double-double, continuing to demonstrate her exceptional playmaking abilities. Aliyah Boston, her teammate, contributed significantly with 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting, with eight of her baskets coming off assists from Clark.
Reflecting on her record-setting game, Clark acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the achievement due to the late-game turnover. “Yeah, the late turnover. That one kills, for sure,” Clark said. “It’s like a fine line of they were up pressuring me so then I kind of got behind them and was able to attack and then I tried to pull it and kind of lost my handle.”
Clark’s historic night also cemented her as the first rookie and ninth player in WNBA history to tally at least 400 points and 200 assists in a season. This accomplishment places her among elite company, including players like Chelsea Gray, Alyssa Thomas, Sue Bird, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Despite the Fever’s loss, Clark’s record-breaking performance and her ability to set up her teammates for success underscore her impact as a rookie and hint at a promising future in the league.
