Caitlin Clark’s near triple-double thrills WNBA fans as Fever beats Taurasi, Mercury

Caitlin Clark set a franchise rookie record for assists in a single season as the Indiana Fever defeated Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury 88-82 Sunday afternoon in Arizona.

Clark came within one rebound of a triple-double while contributing 15 points and 12 assists in the Fever’s first win against a team above .500.

The feat came after Clark continued her development as a point guard by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists in a career.

Clark reached this milestone in just her 19th WNBA game.

The day before the game, Clark called the opportunity to play against Taurasi “a dream come true.”

“She’s someone that I idolized and looked up to growing up and want to be like one day,” Clark said. “Obviously, she’s one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, the greatest goal scorer our game has ever seen… You get to live your dream and play against the best, one of the best that’s ever existed.”

The three-time WNBA champion then praised Clark before the game:

Clark wasn’t the only person excited to see the matchup between the Rookie of the Year candidate and the former MVP.

Taurasi went 5-of-14 from the field for 19 points in the loss. Clark finished with 15 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field while going 5-of-6 from the free throw line and adding a pair of notable three-pointers:

The Fever won after posting a series of 17 points at the end of the third quarter, thanks in particular to five assists from Clark.

Kesley Mitchell scored points in the fourth quarter before Clark scored on two late free throws to help seal the win.

Fever coach Christie Sides said after the match that Clark did not feel well throughout the match, as she suffered from a migraine.

Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 17 points. Mitchell contributed 16 points, while Temi Fagbenle added 10 off the bench.

Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 24 points in the loss.

The Fever improves to 8-12 with the win. Indiana will face another tough opponent Tuesday when Clark and Boston take on A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Aces in Las Vegas.