Caitlin Clark Sets WNBA Rookie Scoring Record with Career-High Performance; ROTY Race Heats Up

Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark sets WNBA scoring record in a thrilling game, solidifying her bid for Rookie of the Year as Fever clinches playoffs.

By Nitish Singh

Published on Sep 17, 2024 | 01:14 AM IST | 102.3K

CC is the one

Caitlin Clark continues to make history in her debut WNBA season, as she propelled the Indiana Fever to a thrilling 110-109 victory over the Dallas Wings while claiming the title of the WNBA single-season rookie point record holder.

The 22-year-old guard put on an extraordinary performance, finishing with a career-high 35 points in Sunday's game. This brings her total points for the season to an impressive 761, surpassing the previous record set by Seimone Augustus in 2006. This victory marks a significant milestone in Clark's already stellar rookie campaign.

The game against the Dallas Wings was a true nail-biter, with the Wings closing in to within two points with mere seconds left on the clock. However, the pivotal moment arrived when Fever center Aliyah Boston sunk two crucial free throws with just one second remaining, enabling the Fever to secure the hard-fought victory.

Despite a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Dallas forward Satou Sabally, Clark and the Indiana Fever emerged victorious with a one-point lead, capping off an intense and record-breaking match.

In addition to her remarkable scoring prowess, Caitlin Clark showcased her versatility on the court, contributing three rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to further elevate her impact on the game. Notably, she also connected on six three-pointers, just one shy of her personal best, all thanks to her exceptional shooting ability.

Clark's outstanding achievements extend beyond her scoring prowess. Throughout the season, she has been rewriting the record books, breaking both rookie and WNBA records. Her impact on the league has been nothing short of sensational.

In a previous contest, Clark shattered the record for single-season assists with her 317th of the season, surpassing the previous mark set by Alyssa Thomas. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates has been a defining aspect of her game.

Moreover, Clark's exceptional performance has been pivotal in the Indiana Fever's postseason aspirations. Together with her teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever has broken an eight-year playoff drought, securing their spot in the postseason for the first time since 2016. This achievement is sure to excite Fever fans and WNBA enthusiasts alike.

With the recent victory over the Dallas Wings, the Fever snagged their 20th win of the season and have clinched the sixth seed for the upcoming playoffs. This marks a significant turning point for the franchise and instills hope for a successful postseason.

As Clark's extraordinary rookie season unfolds, she stands as a frontrunner for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. As the second most considerable rookie, Angel Reese is officially out for the rest of the season due to her fractured left hand, so the accolade for Fever Star seems clear.

Also Read: Caitlin Clark Gets Real About WNBA Return Following Olympics Hiatus