Caitlin Clark Nearly Makes Record Book In Win Over WNBA Legend
Caitlin Clark added to her dangerous run as a rookie with an impressive win over a league legend Sunday.
Clark and the Fever nabbed their eighth win of the season with an 88-82 win over the Phoenix Mercury. After making history against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, Clark nearly made the record books again, finishing Sunday's game one rebound short of a triple-double. Clark tallied 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. Her play reminded viewers of the dual threat that Clark presents as an adept scorer and facilitator.
As relayed by Sporting World, Clark scored or assisted on 44 of the Fever's 88 points.
The game also sold out at Footprint Center, hosting 17,071 fans. Despite it being a Phoenix home game, the fans were crazy for Clark.
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Clark would've been the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. With three minutes left in the game, all eyes were on Clark to grab her final rebound. She walked away with the win as Indiana finished a tight final minute against the Mercury, flopping in and out of the lead.
Sunday marked the first matchup between Clark and WNBA legend Diana Taurasi. It was the signature Old School vs. New School face-off in sports and it did not disappoint. Amid the offseason hype for Caitlin Clark's debut, Taurasi was one of the WNBA stars warning everyone to pump their breaks, anticipating the (natural) learning curve of jumping from college to the pros.
It's safe to say Clark's adjusting to the league just fine. On Thursday against the Storm, Clark became the fastest WNBA player to record 300 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists.
The contest was a scrap till the end but Phoenix fumbled their chances late in the game. Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell put the Fever ahead with a long jump shot, 83-82, and 35 seconds left.
Phoenix drew up a play for a potential go-ahead score. The ball was inbounded to Mercury's Brittney Griner and a teammate swooped in to bump the ball out of her hands, leading to a Phoenix turnover and the end of Phoenix's chances.
The contest was hard fought as both teams started with a scrappy first half. Indiana raged back in the second half after taking an 11-point deficit into the half.
Before and after the game, Taurasi and Griner met up with Clark for friendly exchanges; quite the opposite to Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.
A triple-double Sunday would've all but cemented Clark's case for Rookie of the Year. Sunday's win also marked the first time Indiana beat an opponent with a record over .500.
After playing through a front-loaded schedule (thanks, WNBA), Caitlin Clark and the Fever (8-12) are trending in the right direction.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Guard Sophie Cunningham #9 of the Phoenix Mercury fouls guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second quarter at Footprint Center on June 30, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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