The Post’s Jenna Lemoncelli previews the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend
The summer of Caitlin Clark continued Wednesday, when the WNBA superstar shattered the single-game league record for assists with 19.
Clark surpassed the record of 18, set in 2020 by then-Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot, to bring her season total to 213, a new franchise record, in the Fever’s 101-93 loss to the Wings.
“She’s going to say it means nothing,” teammate Aliyah Boston told reporters afterward. “But I think it’s pretty cool. So, sorry.”
“I just try to set my teammates up for success. I think at times I can almost overpass,” Clark added. “There probably could have been a few times where instead of passing that leads to a turnover I may have, I can probably shoot the ball. Especially with [Boston]. I’m just looking to set her up so much. My eyes are almost always on our post players.”
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket past Dallas Wings’ Teaira McCowan in the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.AP
Clark’s single-game record-setting assist came on a dish back to Kelsey Mitchell, who knocked down a game-tying 3-pointer with 2:22 left in the game.
Clark finished with 24 points on 10 of 19 shooting and 2-for-9 from 3-point range. In addition to surpassing the Fever single-season assist record of 201, set last year by Erica Wheeler, Clark became the fastest player to 400 points and 200 assists in a season in league history. Sue Bird had been the quickest to that duel milestone.
Clark made a number of highlight-reel passes on the night, including a behind-the-back dish to NaLyssa Smith.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) makes a pass to as Dallas Wings’ Odyssey Sims (2) defends in the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.AP
The historic night is sure to bolster the No. 1 pick in the draft’s chances for WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Wednesday night was her third game in the last four with at least 20 points and 13-or-more assists. It was also the first time in league history that a player has had at least 20 points, 15 assists and five rebounds in a single game.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) smiles as she talks with an official standing nearby in the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.AP
While the Fever lost to the Wings, they do head into the Olympic break having won three of five games.
The break comes at a key time for Clark, who has been essentially going non-stop since playing in the NCAA national championship game in April.
The Fever won’t be in action again until Aug. 16, when they take on the Phoenix Mercury.
Clark told reporters before the game that she would likely take a week to decompress after playing so much basketball.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever brings the ball up court against the Dallas Wings at the College Park Center on July 17, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.Getty Images
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“I told [Fever coach Christie Sides], I was like, it’s probably going to feel really weird,” Clark said. “Like, I’m probably going to be anxious that I’m not touching a basketball — but I need to not.”
The Fever are currently sitting in seventh in the WNBA standings after Wednesday night’s loss.
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