WNBA rookie tracker: Clark's 19 assists sets single-game mark
The 2024 WNBA draft class was one of the most anticipated group of rookies in league history.
And now they’re etching their names in the history books.
On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark‘s 19 assists set the WNBA single-game record. Last week, she became the first rookie in league history to tally a triple-double.
Angel Reese also has had a historic start to her rookie season. She set a WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles, a streak that ended Saturday at 15.
We’ve tracked performances from top rookies every game day this season, and will continue to do so Saturday from the All-Star Game, and when the league resumes Aug. 15.
Last updated: July 17
Guard | 6-foot | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Offensively, Wednesday might have been Clark’s most impressive outing yet, as she set a WNBA single-game record with 19 assists in the Fever’s 101-93 loss to the last-place Wings. Before Wednesday, there had only been one other 20-point, 15-assist WNBA game — Courtney Vandersloot in 2018.
Clark also scored 24 points, accounting for a WNBA single-game record 66 points. The former No. 1 pick now has three 20-point, 10-assist games; all other rookies in league history combined for one.
Next up: Clark is 13 assists away from setting the rookie single-season assist record, which she likely will accomplish shortly after play resumes Aug. 15 after the Olympic break.
What we learned: Clark understands the big picture: She and Indiana have built some great chemistry over the past month or so, but it was evident she was beating herself up postgame about how she and the Fever let this game slip away. Even as she acknowledged Indiana and Dallas gave the crowd and fans watching at home an entertaining game to officially conclude the first half of the regular season, Clark knew they could have entered the Olympic break on a high note. But they had too many turnovers (including an ill-timed one of her own in the final minute) and played poor defense at times.
The Fever know there’s little room for error in the league as they eye their first playoff berth since 2016, and that they’ll have to put together a full 40 minutes moving forward.
The Olympic break comes at a great time for Indiana to take some time away from basketball and then get back to the practice court, where the Fever can sharpen things ahead of their final 14 games of the regular season. — Alexa Philippou
Up next: WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
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Angel Reese gets clutch bucket for Sky
Angel Reese’s putback layup with a minute and a half remaining gives the Sky a seven-point lead.
Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Angel Reese recorded her 17th double-double of the season in the Chicago Sky’s 93-85 upset win over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Her double-double tally — she currently leads the WNBA — is tied with Candace Parker (2008) and Yolanda Griffith (1999) for the second most by a first-year player in WNBA history. Only Tina Charles (22 in 2010) has more double-doubles.
What we learned: It was a big win for the Sky heading into the WNBA All-Star Game and Olympic break. Reese’s 13 points and 10 boards were big, of course. But the Sky’s standout in Las Vegas was guard Chennedy Carter, who scored a game-high 34 points on 14-of-24 shooting. The 93 points are the Sky’s highest single-game total this season (previous high was 90 vs. New York on May 23). According to ESPN Stats & Information, Chicago snapped a seven-game losing streak against Las Vegas.
Up next: WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Center | 6-foot-7 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: In 30 minutes against the Aces, Kamilla Cardoso was relatively quiet offensively. The rookie center had 6 points and 4 rebounds. The Sky got out to a 20-point lead in the game before the Aces came back to make it interesting in the fourth quarter. Cardoso was matched up at center against the front-runner for the WNBA MVP award, A’ja Wilson, who finished the night with 28 points in the loss.
What we learned: It was Las Vegas’ fourth loss as a double-digit favorite this season. The Aces closed at -13.5 at ESPN BET.
Up next: vs. Phoenix Mercury on Aug. 15 (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Forward | 6-foot-2 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: The Storm came away with the 89-83 win in this high-scoring matinee in Los Angeles. Jewell Loyd had her 25th career 30-point game, fifth most in WNBA history, breaking a tie with Maya Moore, who had 24 career 30-point games. Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson had 16 points but struggled from the field. The forward hit just 6 of 17 shots and was 1-of-5 from 3.
What we learned: The Storm, who improved to 17-8, and the Sparks appear headed in opposite directions. Los Angeles, which dropped to 6-18 on the season, had no answer for Loyd. Loyd is fifth in the league in scoring at 19.7 points per game. That all said, Jackson — the forward out of Tennessee — filled out the stat line with 6 rebounds and 4 assists to go along with her points.
Up next: vs. New York Liberty on Aug. 19 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
