In a defeat against the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark surpasses the WNBA's single-season assist record.
In the game, Clark needed merely four more assists to match Thomas's 2023 record of 316 assists, set by the Connecticut Sun's guard Alyssa. She surpassed this figure in the second quarter, delivering an inbound pass to teammate Mitchell, who subsequently drove to the paint and scored.
The game concluded with Clark scoring 18 points, dishing out 9 assists, and grabbing 8 rebounds. Mitchell excelled as well, leading Indiana with 20 points in their loss.
This remarkable achievement further complemented Clark's outstanding 2024 season, filled with milestones like setting the WNBA's single-game assist record with 19 against the Dallas Wings in July and breaking the rookie assists record the previous month. Clark also became the league's first-ever rookie to achieve a triple-double and holds the record for the most three-pointers made by a rookie.
Indiana went into halftime trailing 43-35, only for Clark to shine in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and reducing the deficit to just three points. A three-pointer from Dantas leveled the score at 60-60 in the fourth, but Las Vegas responded with a 9-2 run to extend their advantage.
The Fever had the chance to draw level near the end of the game, but Boston's three-point attempt failed. Gray subsequently secured a pair of free throws, ensuring the win for Las Vegas.
Wilson continued her remarkable season, finishing with 15 points and 17 rebounds after breaking the WNBA's single-season scoring record the previous day. Gray added 21 points and six assists to their victory.
Following the game, Clark was questioned about her impressive performance and Wilson and Chicago Sky rookie Reese's milestones.
"I believe it just highlights the incredible year this league has had, with truly exceptional basketball," Clark expressed. "Given that we're not even at the playoffs yet, it's thrilling to see records tumbling down while also enjoying the outstanding basketball on display. That's the reason why fans have been flocking to the games and viewership has skyrocketed this year," she said.
"I believe everyone is raising their game, with the competition only growing stronger and stronger. As a competitor, it's a joy to step onto the court every night, knowing that whichever opponent you're facing, they'll be giving their best. That's what makes it such a thrilling experience. Watching everyone elevate their performance and rise to the occasion has been truly exhilarating for me too," Clark concluded.
Although the Fever suffered a second consecutive defeat against Las Vegas, they still maintained their sixth-place position in the rankings and secured a playoff berth. Indiana prepare to take on Dallas on Sunday before finishing their regular season against the Washington Mystics on September 19.
Clark's triple-double and the record-breaking performance by Wilson in scoring further showed the high level of competition in this year's sports scene, where players are constantly pushing each other to new heights. The excitement in the WNBA continues to grow as fans eagerly await each game to witness more record-breaking moments.
