Caitlin Clark sets WNBA single-game assist record

Clark Fever! Young phenom Caitlin Clark set the WNBA record for most assists in a single game with 19 against the Dallas Wings. The previous record was 18 by Courtney Vandersloot of the Chicago Sky on Aug. 31, 2020. Vandersloot also had 18 in a playoff game on Sept. 28, 2021. Clark’s previous WNBA career high was 13, set four times, most recently in a 95-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury last week.

Along with the 19 assists, Clark scored 24 points on 10 for 19 shooting(2-9 from 3pt). The Indiana Fever lost to the Dallas Wings 101-93. Caitlin Clark scored or assisted on 66 of the team's 93 points(71% of the Fever's points), setting the record for most points scored or assisted by a single player in WNBA history, surpassing the mark previously held by Diana Taurasi at 65 on August 10, 2006. Clark becomes the second rookie in league history to score or assist on 50 or more points in multiple games, joining Candace Parker in 2008.

Despite a challenging start to the season, Caitlin Clark has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Her recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, setting numerous records for WNBA rookies and all players in WNBA history. Clark's 20-point, 15-assist game marked the second instance in league history, the other belonging to Courtney Vandersloot in 2018. It was Clark's third game with 20-plus points and 10-plus assists, joining Angel McCoughtry in 2009 as the only rookie to do such.

Clark is currently averaging 17.1 points per game, a figure that lands her 13th in scoring in the WNBA. However, given her consistent performance, there is a high chance she will end the season in the top 10 and perhaps even the top 5. Her 8.2 assists per game lead the association, showcasing her playmaking skills. With 1.5 steals per game, she’s tied for ninth. Despite being a six-foot guard, she averages 5.8 rebounds, ranking nineteenth. If there’s any critique of Caitlin’s game, it's the turnovers. Clark leads the WNBA in turnovers per game at 5.6. The rookie also holds the league record for most total turnovers in a season, now 145, a mark she set against the Minnesota Lynx in the 25th game of the season.

While turnovers need to be cut down, high-usage ball handlers, whether male or female, typically have a higher turnover rate.

There should be no question who the clear-cut Rookie of the Year is. Clark is the first rookie and ninth player in WNBA history to score at least 400 points and 200 assists in a season. Chelsea Gray has had three such seasons, Alyssa Thomas has two, and six other players(Sue Bird, Jordin Canada, Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Williams, and Vandersloot) each have one.

In 26 career games, Clark has scored or assisted on 915 points, a rookie single-season record. Her 213 assists are the second most by a rookie in league history and quickly approaching Ticha Penicheiro's record of 225. With her consistent performance, there's a palpable sense of excitement about the possibility of Clark breaking this record, a testament to her potential in the league.

The Indiana Fever are currently 11-15, placing them seventh in the league standings. With the top eight teams making the playoffs, the Fever are in a solid position to clinch their first playoff berth since 2016. This prospect is sure to bring hope and excitement to Fever supporters. 

Clark, Aliyah Boston, and teammate Kelsey Mitchell will represent the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. The WNBA will have a month-long break for the Summer Olympic Games, which begins after the annual WNBA All-Star Game on July 20. This is a significant moment for Clark and her teammates and a thrilling opportunity for fans to see them in action.

Will Caitlin Clark be the unanimous WNBA Rookie of the Year? Will the Indiana Fever make the playoffs? Comment your thoughts below!