The hype surrounding Caitlin Clark's arrival to The WNBA has been unprecedented. Her first game as a pro with The Indiana Fever sparked an almost 200% increase in viewership for The WNBA. The Caitlin Clark Effect is real!
Midway through her rookie season, Clark has lived up to the hype. She made The WNBA All-Star Team. Clark currently leads the league in assists. Plus, she's helped The Fever go from the worst record in The Eastern Conference a season ago to competing for a playoff spot this season.
Sunday, the league's most popular player hit another major milestone. During the second quarter of The Fever's match up against The Seattle Storm, Clark dished out career assist 225 - which is the most for a rookie, ever. Clark breaks the record set in 1998 by Ticha Penicheiro. Following Indiana's 92 - 75 home victory over Seattle, Clark paid respect to Penicheiro.
"Ticha is someone that's been very supportive of myself even since I was in college," Clark said. "If you watch her highlights, she was definitely a better passer than me. She had way more flare to her game. She would spin around and make these crazy passes. I kind of just run in transition and just chuck it up there and hope for the best. That's all I do."
The Fever shared a video message from Penicheiro via social media after Clark surpassed her record. The respect is mutual.
"This record is in great hands."
Ticha Penicheiro congratulates Caitlin Clark on passing her for the @WNBA record for assists in a single season by a rookie. pic.twitter.com/lvzk6i78F2
"Super proud of you," Penicheiro said. "I know the work that you have put in. A lot of people talk about your shooting. I was always mesmerized about your passing, your court vision and how you make your teammates better. So, this record is in great hands and continue to do what you do, continue to elevate your game and the women's game and the WNBA."
On July 17 versus the Dallas Wings, Clark broke The WNBA single game assist record with 19. She's averaging 8.3 assists per game, along with 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. As of right now, it would be hard not to vote Clark as WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Clark will have several days to enjoy her latest record. She and The Fever do not return to action until Aug. 24 against the Minnesota Lynx.
Desmond Purnell
