Caitlin Clark continues to make waves in her debut WNBA season, setting a new benchmark for rookies across the league.
The Indiana Fever guard broke the WNBA’s single-season assist record for a rookie during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Storm, surpassing a milestone that had stood for over two decades.
Caitlin Clark proves she’s a game-changer
Clark’s 225th assist, which broke the previous record held by WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro, came early in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The record, originally set in 1998 during the league’s second season, was eclipsed by Clark in just her 28th game, with 12 more contests left in the season.
This accomplishment further cements Clark’s already impressive legacy, even as her rookie year unfolds.
The Iowa standout, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has quickly established herself as a force on the court.
Clark’s ability to see the game unfold and find her teammates has made her the league’s leading passer, averaging 8.3 assists per game.
Her record-breaking performance against Seattle adds to an already impressive list of achievements this season.
Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie season continues
Earlier this year, Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double, showcasing her all-around talent with 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds against the New York Liberty on July 6.
Just a few weeks later, she set the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 assists in a thrilling match against the Dallas Wings.
With her latest record in hand, Clark has firmly placed herself among the league’s elite playmakers.
Ticha Penicheiro, the previous record-holder, was a seven-time league leader in assists and a four-time WNBA All-Star, eventually winning a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005.
Clark’s achievement is a testament to her potential to reach similar heights in her career.
As the season progresses, Clark remains on track to potentially break even more records.
She is within reach of surpassing Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas, who set the league’s overall single-season assist record in 2023 with 316 assists.
At her current pace, Clark could rewrite that record by season’s end.
Clark’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she, along with her Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, earned spots on the WNBA All-Star team that recently triumphed over Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.