Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary rookie season with the Indiana Fever hit a new milestone Friday night as she continued to establish herself as one of basketball’s brightest talents.
In the Fever’s first game back after the Olympic break, Clark’s stellar performance not only secured a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury but also placed her among NBA legends Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry.
Caitlin Clark Joins Exclusive Basketball Elite
Clark’s standout night saw her become just the third rookie in the history of both the NBA and WNBA to achieve at least 29 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds while shooting over 70 percent—twice in a single season. This elite club includes Curry, who accomplished it four times during his rookie year, and Jordan, who did it twice.
Averaging 17.6 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, Clark is on pace to become the only player in WNBA history to post such impressive numbers in a rookie season. Her continuous breaking of rookie records and setting new benchmarks across the league further cements her status as a generational talent.
Rookies in NBA/WNBA History to record 29 PTS, 5 REB and 10 AST on 70% TS, multiple times:
— Michael Jordan ‘85 (2x)
— Stephen Curry ‘10 (4x)and now, Caitlin Clark ‘24 (2x).
League-changers. https://t.co/Vl9KfR1efd pic.twitter.com/nWLaHaTMst
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) August 17, 2024
New Milestone for Caitlin Clark
In addition to her impressive stat line, Clark displayed her sportsmanship in the game’s final moments. With victory assured, she chose to dribble out the clock instead of going for another basket, showing the maturity of a seasoned veteran.
Clark also made history as the first rookie in WNBA history to surpass 450 points and 200 assists in a single season. She joins Sabrina Ionescu as one of only two WNBA players to record at least 29 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds with a 70 percent true shooting percentage in a game. However, Clark stands alone in achieving this feat multiple times.
With nine games featuring 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, Clark is closing in on the WNBA record of 12 such games, set last season by Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty.
As the frontrunner for WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark leads the league in assists and needs just three more to break Ticha Penicheiro’s rookie assist record of 225. With plenty of games left in the season, Clark is poised to continue rewriting the history books.
The Indiana Fever, now 12-15, will face the Seattle Storm on Sunday, with the game set to air on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET.
