Clark makes WNBA history with 45 points and 10 assistsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Caitlin Clark was the number draft pick in 2024ByKeifer MacDonaldBBC Sport journalistPublished4 minutes agoCaitlin Clark became the first player in WNBA history to produce over 40 points and 10 assists as she helped the Indiana Fever defeat the Seattle Storm 110-107 in Indianapolis on Friday night.Clark, 24, produced a 45-point, 10-assist performance and a career-high points tally at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse to record her fifth double-double of the season.The 2024 Rookie of the Year hit six three-pointers to help the Fever snatch a late victory, with both teams tied on 102 points heading into the final 60 seconds of the fourth quarter.Clark also delivered a career-best performance in free throws as she made 17 of the 19 she attempted during her 29 minutes on the court.”Some nights, you know you have it – even before the ball tips,” mentioned Clark. “I felt like it was going to be one of those for me.”I feel like you just have to believe you’re going to have those type of nights, and you have to visualise having those types of nights. And I feel like that’s what I did.”Fever coach Stephanie White labelled Clark “special” and mentioned it was “surreal” to see her in top form setting new records.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Awa Fam, 20, also made history with her third quarter points spreeFor Seattle, Awa Fam carved out a slice of history for herself, becoming the youngest player ever at the age of 20 to hit four three-point shots in a single quarter.Dominique Malonga scored 28 points, the second most in her career, and 14 rebounds – but it wasn’t enough for Seattle, who set a team record for points scored in a normal-time loss.Clark’s record-breaking night came a day after she was labelled a “political football” by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
The star point-guard has become one of the biggest draws in the WNBA since being drafted by the Fever in 2024, and there has been a lot of attention paid to the way she is treated by opposing teams and the tactics they employ to try to limit her impact during games.
Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas received a retrospective one-game ban and a $1,000 (£743) fine for appearing to knee Clark in the groin and push her fist into her neck during a tussle for possession.
A group of 11 Republican lawmakers then sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert asking the league to take “accountability”, and expressed concern that “attacks against Clark may be racially motivated”.
Political commentators on the right have also weighed in, suggesting the treatment of Clark is rooted in racism and jealousy.
Speaking as part of a panel at an event in New York on Thursday, Silver mentioned the debates surrounding Clark had become about broader political and cultural issues in the United States rather than basketball alone.
“That particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called at the time of the game or whether that was ultimately a flagrant non-review,” mentioned Silver.
“I’ve come to know Caitlin really well. She’s an incredible player and also an incredible person.
“And she wants to focus on being the best player she can. And she’s become a bit of a political football in this country, and I think it’s incredibly unfair to her.”
