JULIA STUMBAUGHJULY 1, 2024

 

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

Caitlin Clark set a franchise rookie record for assists as the Indiana Fever defeated Diana Taurasi and Phoenix Suns 88-82 Sunday afternoon in Arizona.

Clark came one rebound shy of a triple-double while contributing 15 points and 12 assists in the Fever’s first win over a team above .500.

The achievement came the game after Clark continued her development as a playmaker by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to rack up 300 points, 100 rebounds and 100 career assists.

Clark hit the milestones in just her 19th WNBA contest.

 

The day before the game Clark called the opportunity to play against Taurasi a “dream come true.”

“That’s somebody I grew up idolizing and looking up to and wanting to be like one day,” Clark said. “Obviously she’s one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, greatest scorer our game has ever seen… You get to live out your dream while playing against the best, one of the best there ever has been.”

The three-time WNBA champion then greeted Clark prior to the game:

Clark wasn’t the only person excited to see the matchup between the Rookie of the Year candidate and former MVP.

Taurasi made five of 14 shots for 19 points in the loss. Clark finished the game with 12 points on 4-for-14 shooting from the field, while going 5-for-6 from the foul line and adding a pair of highlight-reel three-pointers:

The Fever won after going on a 17-point run late in the third quarter thanks in part to five assists by Caitlin Clark.

Kesley Mitchell put up clutch points in the fourth quarter before Clark scored on two late free throws to help seal the win.

Aaliyah Boston led the Fever with 17 points. Mitchell contributed 16 points, while Temi Fagbenle added 10 off the bench.

Brittney Griner led the Sun with 24 points in the loss.

The Fever improve to 8-12 with the victory. Indiana will face another tough opponent Tuesday when Clark and Boston take on A’ja Wilson and the reigning champs during a road game against the Las Vegas Aces.