Caitlyn Clark Shatters Rookie Assist Record and Boosts WNBA Ratings

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, rookie sensation Caitlyn Clark led the Indiana Fever to a stunning 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm on Sunday. This victory not only showcased Clark’s exceptional skills but also marked a historic moment in her first professional season.

Clark made history by recording her 226th assist, setting a new record for the most assists by a rookie in a single season. This incredible feat surpassed the previous record of 225 assists set by Ticha Penicheiro in 1998. What makes Clark’s achievement even more impressive is that she accomplished this in just 28 games, while Penicheiro set her record in 30 games. With 12 more games left in the season, Clark has the opportunity to further cement her record in untouchable territory. As of her latest game, she has 232 assists, thanks to her impressive nine assists in the match.

The game was a thrilling spectacle, with Clark delivering an incredible 34-foot pass to Kelsey Mitchell, who sealed the deal with an electric layup, igniting the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Ticha Penicheiro expressed her excitement at seeing her decades-old record being broken, stating on social media, “Records are meant to be broken. It shows growth and evolution. Can’t think of a better player to break it.”

Clark, who has been a fan of Penicheiro since her college days, spoke highly of her on an ESPN broadcast post-game, emphasizing Penicheiro’s support and acknowledging her as a legend of the game.

The Indiana Fever had a sluggish start, scoring only 13 points in the first quarter, which tied their season low. However, they managed to pick up the pace in the second quarter, breaking through Seattle’s strong defense. The Fever finished the first half strong with a 12-5 run, taking a narrow one-point lead into halftime.

Despite her efforts, Clark could not make any three-point attempts in the first 20 minutes of the game, going 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. However, Indiana’s offense continued to perform well in the third quarter and truly ignited in the fourth quarter. The Fever’s shooting was exceptional in the final period, with the team making eight out of nine three-point attempts. This outstanding performance allowed the Fever to outscore the Storm 33-17 in the fourth quarter, securing their victory well before the final buzzer.

Lexi Hull was a standout player in this remarkable display, achieving a career-high by making six three-pointers during the game. This victory marked the Fever’s first win against the Seattle Storm this season, who had previously beaten them in all three earlier encounters. The 17-point margin by which the Fever won marks their most significant triumph of the year.

Notably, Clark had a standout performance, contributing 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal, despite committing five turnovers. This game also marked her third consecutive outing with at least 20 points. Her accuracy was evident as she made nine of 19 field goals and three of 10 three-point attempts, with all successful long-range shots occurring in the second half of the game.

Clark’s impact extends beyond her on-court performance. The WNBA has seen a remarkable 143% spike in ratings, largely attributed to the “Caitlyn Clark effect”¹. Fans flock to arenas to watch her play, and her presence has significantly boosted viewership. The WNBA has had 18 games this season with more than a million viewers on average, and 16 of those games featured Clark². Her influence is so profound that she has achieved in five weeks what would have taken the league five years in terms of growth and viewership¹.

“Congratulations, Clark! I want to express how incredibly proud I am of you,” the Portuguese guard expressed in a heartwarming video widely shared on social media. “I truly appreciate and admire your dedication and talent.”