On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark etched her name into WNBA history as the rookie with the most three-pointers in league lore. The dazzling first-year player drained her 86th triple of the season within the opening three minutes of the Indiana Fever’s 84-80 triumph over the Connecticut Sun. This victory marked Indiana’s initial conquest over the Sun in four attempts this season. Clark, who contributed 19 points, further solidified her record by netting three additional three-pointers in the contest. The previous record-holder was Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, the top pick of 2022, who amassed 85 three-pointers in her rookie season. Howard also claimed the 2022 Rookie of the Year accolade.
Currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award, Clark also tallied five rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block, though she did have seven turnovers. Her shooting performance was 7-for-17 from the field, including a 3-for-12 showing from beyond the arc.
The Fever’s victory is a notable achievement as they inch closer to a .500 record and a coveted playoff berth. Indiana has been absent from the postseason since 2016—Clark’s freshman year of high school—when they were eliminated in the first round.
The game began with Connecticut seizing an early 8-2 lead before Indiana surged with a 20-7 run to assume a 33-26 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Fever maintained their advantage, leading 51-42 at halftime and 69-66 heading into the final quarter. With the score tied at 80-80 and 2:31 remaining, Clark drove to the basket to give Indiana a crucial lead. After both teams missed subsequent opportunities, Lexie Hull sealed the victory with two decisive free throws.
All five starters for the Fever scored in double digits, spearheaded by Kelsey Mitchell’s 23 points. Indiana shot 43.3% from three-point range, successfully landing 13 of 30 attempts.
Wednesday’s game was a spectacle of star power. While Clark’s presence was magnetic, she was joined by Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas, adding to the event’s illustrious aura.