Despite only being a rookie, Caitlin Clark is already viewed as one of the best playmakers in the WNBA. Her decisiveness and precision in real-time have earned her a spot on a unique list.
She is one of the very few NBA/WNBA players to record over 500 points and 200 assists before their 30th career game, as per X users Clark Report (CClarkReport) and Warriors Muse (@WarriorsMuse).
The Fever star is already no stranger to breaking records in the WNBA. She did so last Sunday too, eclipsing former Sparks guard Ticha Penicheiro’s rookie record of 224 assists in 1998. Clark thus became the first-year player with the most assists in her debut season.
Featured on the list for over 500 points and 200 assists before completing 30 games are NBA Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. Now, Caitlin Clark’s name joints this select group.
To be included in a historic list of NBA legends is an incredible accomplishment in itself, considering how many premier athletes are playing in the modern era. It is a testament to how incredible Clark has been, and how quickly she has adapted to the way the game is played in the league.
Similar to Clark, the three former NBA athletes were phenomenal decision-makers at the height of their careers. They didn’t rely on their excellent scoring ability alone to be effective on the basketball court.
Caitlin Clark reacted to breaking Ticha Penicheiro’s rookie record
Following the Fever’s 92-75 win against the Seattle Storm, Clark talked about breaking the record for the rookie with the most assists, as per ESPN’s Michael Voelpel.
“If you’d told me I was going to lead the league in assists coming in here in my rookie season, I probably would have told you that you were lying,” Clark said. “But I take a lot of pride in that. I want to set my teammates up first and foremost, because that’s going to help you have the most successful team.”
During that contest against Seattle, Clark dished out nine assists that contributed well to her teammates getting a nice rhythm for the game.
Even during her four years playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Fever guard established herself as a pass-first point guard on the court. With several players being aggressive scorers at the position, Clark prefers to get her teammates going as opposed to prioritizing her shot attempts.
The turnovers are a mark for improvement but to be able to make the kind of passes she has done as a rookie rightfully deserves all the praise she’s been getting.
This season, Caitlin Clark is averaging 17.9 points (41.4% shooting, including 32.9% from beyond the arc), 8.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.
