Caitlin Clark set a franchise rookie report for assists in a single season because the Indiana Fever defeated Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury 88-82 Sunday afternoon in Arizona.
Clark got here one rebound shy of a triple-double whereas contributing 15 factors and 12 assists within the Fever’s first win over a staff above .500.
The achievement got here the sport after Clark continued her improvement as a playmaker by turning into the quickest participant in WNBA history to rack up 300 factors, 100 rebounds and 100 profession assists.
Clark hit the milestone in simply her nineteenth WNBA contest.
The day earlier than the sport Clark called the chance to play in opposition to Taurasi a “dream come true.”
“That is any individual I grew up idolizing and looking out as much as and eager to be like someday,” Clark stated. “Clearly she’s one of many best gamers our recreation has ever seen, best scorer our recreation has ever seen… You get to reside out your dream whereas enjoying in opposition to the most effective, top-of-the-line there ever has been.”
The three-time WNBA champion then greeted Clark previous to the sport:
Clark wasn’t the one particular person excited to see the matchup between the Rookie of the Yr candidate and former MVP.
Taurasi made 5 of 14 photographs for 19 factors within the loss. Clark completed the sport with 15 factors on 4-for-14 capturing from the sphere whereas going 5-for-6 from the foul line and including a pair of highlight-reel three-pointers:
The Fever gained after occurring a 17-point run late within the third quarter thanks partly to 5 assists by Clark.
Kesley Mitchell put up clutch factors within the fourth quarter earlier than Clark scored on two late free throws to assist seal the win.
Fever coach Christie Sides stated after the sport that Clark wasn’t feeling nicely all through the sport, as she was coping with a migraine.
Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 17 factors. Mitchell contributed 16 factors, whereas Temi Fagbenle added 10 off the bench.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 24 factors within the loss.
The Fever enhance to 8-12 with the victory. Indiana will face one other powerful opponent Tuesday when Clark and Boston tackle A’ja Wilson and the reigning champion Aces in Las Vegas.
