Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark made history on Friday night in Washington, D.C., as she tied the WNBA record for most 3-pointers made in a single game by a rookie. The incredible performance saw Clark sink seven 3-point shots, finishing the game with a game-high 30 points to lead the Fever to an 85-83 victory over the Washington Mystics.
Clark’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display as she went 7-of-13 from beyond the arc and 8-of-15 overall. In addition to her scoring outburst, she also contributed 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, although she also had 8 turnovers during the contest.
Reflecting on her stellar performance, Clark expressed her satisfaction with her shooting accuracy, noting that even her misses felt close to landing. She credited her teammates for setting quality screens that allowed her to create opportunities to score, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence as a shooter.
In tying Crystal Robinson’s rookie record of seven 3-pointers in a single game, Clark showcased her remarkable shooting range by taking shots from an average distance of 24 feet, the longest by any player in the league this season. Her ability to consistently hit deep shots has set her apart as a standout player early in her WNBA career.
Furthermore, Clark’s rapid ascent in the league was highlighted by her achievement of becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 75 assists, accomplishing this milestone in just 12 games. Her impact on the court has been significant, as she has consistently led the Fever in assists throughout the season.
The matchup between the Fever and the Mystics drew a substantial crowd at Capital One Arena, with attendance reaching levels not seen since the 2007 WNBA Finals. The enthusiastic support from fans energized Clark and her teammates, reinforcing the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women’s basketball.
Following a grueling stretch of games to start the season, the Fever emphasized the importance of rest and recovery, which proved beneficial as they bounced back from a tough loss. Clark acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA but remained focused on the opportunity to grow and develop as a professional athlete.