All eyes are on No. 22 whenever the Indiana Fever take the court. Caitlin Clark has been in the WNBA's spotlight throughout her rookie season in the league, but she's not shied away from the challenge.
After breaking the league's all-time single season three-point record for a rookie during Wednesday night's win over the Connecticut Sun, Clark received some major praise from one of the league's all-time greats.
"Congratulations [Caitlin Clark] I'm so proud of you and you are just getting started!! Let it Rain," wrote Leslie on X, alongside a series of emojis.
Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 I’m so proud of you and you are just getting started!! 💕🙏🏾Let it Rain🏀🏀🏀
The three-point record isn't the only eye-opening accomplishment Clark has achieved during her rookie season. Clark broke the league's all-time single game assist record when she dished out 19 dimes against the Dallas Wings in July. She's also the first rookie to ever record 400 points, 100 rebounds and 150 assists in a season and became the first rookie ever to log a triple-double.
Clark's Record-Breaking Season
Clark entered Wednesday averaging 18 points and a league-high 8.2 assists per game this season. She’s averaging 2.8 3-pointers per game, which is tied for the fourth-best in the WNBA. The former Iowa star became the fastest player in league history to record 500 points and 200 assists earlier this month, too, which is something no rookie has done before.
Clark shot just shy of 38% from behind the arc during her career with the Hawkeyes, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer both in men’s and women’s basketball while leading the program to back-to-back national championship games. She averaged a career-high 5.2 made 3-pointers during her senior campaign.
Clark’s on-court connection with fellow guard Mitchell has been particularly strong since WNBA play resumed after the Olympic break. The Fever's franchise superstar is Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, who was the 2011 WNBA MVP and led Indiana to the 2012 league title. But Mitchell's streak of five 20-point games is something even Catchings didn't do.
Breaking Records
Clark’s 3-point success has continued with the Fever. She credits this success to the team's fast-paced offense. "I just think it speaks to the way we play offense," Clark said. "Just fast, uptempo. I feel like I'm definitely capable of shooting it a little bit better."
Clark missed her last 3 attempt Wednesday on a shot that almost went through the basket before spinning out. She said she was disappointed in that one but in general has been pleased with her shot selection.
"I felt like it was in," Clark said with a grin. "That upset me a little bit. But I feel like I'm taking good shots, and that's the most important thing for this team."
The Future is Bright
Clark has been the victim of flagrant fouls this season, both of which came against the Chicago Sky. The first was a check from Chennedy Carter, which made headlines in early June. Carter knocked Clark to the floor, and though it was initially called a common foul, the WNBA upgraded it to a flagrant foul.
Carter defended it after the game, calling it a "basketball play."
Then Carter’s teammate, Angel Reese, another rookie star, hit Clark in the head on a block attempt in a different matchup with the Fever this season. Clark, again, hit the deck with force, and Reese was called for a flagrant foul after a review.
Like Carter, Reese said she was just making a basketball play.
Despite these rough encounters, Clark has made it clear that she’s just getting started. Her play on the court has garnered attention from some of the league's greats, and she is showing no signs of slowing down.
With her impressive talent, dedication and relentless determination, there's no doubt that Clark is poised to become a dominant force in the WNBA for years to come.
