Caitlin Clark didn’t have her best night scoring-wise on Friday, but her presence was felt all over the floor. The Indiana Fever guard quietly carved out a place in WNBA history during a pivotal 99-82 win over the Atlanta Dream. Amidst a season filled with injury setbacks and uneven performances, Clark again showed why she’s the heart of Indiana’s offense.
Despite a cold shooting performance just 5-of-17 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep Clark became the sixth-fastest player in league history to reach 950 career points, achieving the feat in her 51st game, per Polymarket Hoops. Her stat line was modest 12 points, four rebounds, and nine assists but it underscored her ability to impact the game in multiple ways beyond scoring.
The 23-year-old has been dealing with lingering injuries all season, including groin and quad issues that forced her to miss 10 games combined. Yet, even against one of the league’s most physical defenses, Clark held her own and created numerous opportunities for teammates. “She struggled with her shot, but her playmaking and toughness were game-changers,” NBA analyst Skip Bayless noted, highlighting her nine assists, including several highlight-reel passes.
Clark’s Game Is Evolving
Heading into Friday, Clark was averaging 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest, though her shooting had dipped to 38.6% overall and 30.1% from beyond the arc. Since returning from injury, she’s played 11 games and helped the Fever to a 6-5 record, even as her scoring efficiency declined. She’s made only four threes in her last five outings and hasn’t cracked 20 points during that span.
Still, Clark’s development as a facilitator has stood out. Her ability to speed up the game, distribute the ball, and make those around her better continues to grow. That evolution as a leader and floor general is just as important as any scoring milestone.
After helping Indiana snap a seven-year playoff drought last season, Clark now has the Fever sitting at 10-10. They’ll aim to build momentum when they face the Dallas Wings on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Be the first to comment