JULY 1, 2024
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.
another record for the resume 🤩
congratulations to Caitlin Clark for breaking the rookie franchise record for assists in a single season in just 20 games 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/MDSaYAyHgT
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark now has 2 double-doubles this season with points & assists.
The only rookie in WNBA history to have more was Sue Bird in 2002. pic.twitter.com/hDssdrooqY
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 30, 2024
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.
Indiana Fever is hooping
lets have a dialogue on Caitlin Clark's playmaking
this is special
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark putting on a CLINIC with her passing and court vision! @IndianaFever #CaitlinClark #WNBA
— A.M. Michaels (@A_M__Michaels) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark might be able to play in the NBA, forget the scoring, the basketball IQ is off the charts.
— Benjamin Garcia (@BenGarciaShow) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark easily a top 10 player in the league. She does everything
— L (@Lboogie221) June 30, 2024
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:
Diana Taurasi & Brittney Griner dap up Caitlin Clark pre-game 🤝
Welcoming the rook to the league 💯
(via @YahooSports)pic.twitter.com/kitAgnG1bo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2024
Clark wasn’t the only person excited to see the matchup between the Rookie of the Year candidate and former MVP.
diana taurasi vs caitlin clark is what i needed today. special hoops
— shakespeare ✍🏾 (@dxnnyphvntxm) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark is boutta drop a triple double against Diana Taurasi’s team? I used to pray for times like this.
— DBo_Burner (@Dbo_Burner) June 30, 2024
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:
Caitlin Clark has now made 7 three-pointers from 30+ feet this season while no one else in the WNBA has made more than two.pic.twitter.com/krIo2HunZU
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 30, 2024
CAITLIN CLARK FROM THE LOGO 😱 🎯
(via @IndianaFever)pic.twitter.com/7o0QRvueR2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2024
The Fever won after going on a 17-point run late in the third quarter thanks in part to five assists by Caitlin Clark.
that one logo 3 revived indiana’s offense caitlin clark you are unreal
— resting (@snoozingsnoopy) June 30, 2024
Caitlin Clark is pure talent. You can’t deny that.
— EulaciaE. (@EulaciaJE) June 30, 2024
That 3rd quarter is a prime example of why turnovers simply don't matter when it comes to Caitlin Clark.
Look at the pace she plays with and how she gets her teammates so many easy looks.
— DamonG (@DamonG89403665) June 30, 2024
Kesley Mitchell put up clutch points in the fourth quarter before Clark scored on two late free throws to help seal the win.
Caitlin Clark is CLUTCH !!
— ¥ud!n_ ® (@omoDnibuA) June 30, 2024
Clutch free throws by CC #INDvsPHX
— St. Francis of Kumasi. (@100PercentAfrik) June 30, 2024
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.
