Caitlin Clark has become the WNBA’s assist leader, surpassing Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun as the current top spot holder.
Thomas was leading the WNBA in assists before Sunday’s games, but after finishing with only three assists in Connecticut’s 96-69 win over the Phoenix Mercury, her average dropped to 7.7 for the season.
Clark ended Sunday’s game with six assists as the Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 81-74. She now holds the best average in the league at 7.8 assists per game.
Indiana has played 25 games this season, while Connecticut has played 23.
her highlights ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/gMXof2rE8v
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 14, 2024
Clark has amassed 194 assists in Indiana’s 25 games, placing her second among WNBA rookies all-time for most assists in a season, closing in on Ticha Penichiero’s record set in 1998.
Penichiero recorded 225 assists as a rookie with the Sacramento Monarchs.
In Sunday’s win over Minnesota, Clark surpassed Sue Bird for second on the list with 191 assists. With 15 games remaining, she needs 32 more to break Penichiero’s record.
Clark has had a stellar rookie season in Indiana, averaging 16.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, including recording the first triple-double for a rookie on July 6 against the New York Liberty.
The former Iowa standout finished the game with 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, with a streak of five consecutive double-doubles going into the Minnesota game.
With Clark leading in assists, two WNBA rookies now top different statistical categories this season, with Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky leading in rebounds.
Both Clark and Reese have been named 2024 WNBA All-Stars.
