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Caitlin Clark takes familiar approach to making WNBA history
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Caitlin Clark made history on Saturday. The former Iowa star is the first WNBA player to record a triple-double in her rookie season.
In the second half of the Indiana Fever’s 83-78 win over the New York Liberty, Clark pulled down her 10th rebound, having logged 15 points and 11 assists.
Caitlin Clark pulls down the rebound to secure the first triple-double by a rookie in @WNBA history 👏
15 PTS
11 AST
10 REB pic.twitter.com/9S0wy9O9Fi— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 6, 2024
Clark had a bit more to contribute in the come-from-behind victory. She finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists. In addition to the historic triple-double, Clark hit another milestone as the fastest player to ever record 350 points and 150 assists in their career.
Caitlin Clark had a historic performance in Indiana’s win over the #1 New York Liberty ⬇️
19 PTS
12 REB
13 ASTShe becomes the 1st rookie in WNBA history & the 1st player in Fever history to record a triple-double, while also becoming the fastest player to 350+ PTS & 150+ AST! pic.twitter.com/CYDdC0JNQv
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 6, 2024
As Clark breaks records and makes history, Fever fans and media members are learning what Hawkeye Nation has long known: Clark is focused on the team ahead of her personal accomplishments.
RELATED: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: Taking stock of WNBA Rookie of the Year race
“Honestly, I’m just happy we won,” Clark said in postgame when asked about her historic achievement. “Like I’ve said, I take a lot of pride in being able to do a lot of different things for this team. I think we’re really good when I can get the ball off the glass and just go in transition and find my teammates to set them up.
“Obviously, 13 assists means my teammates made 13 shots on my passes, that goes to them. But I mean, I don’t know.”
Teammate Aliyah Boston decided to speak up.
“She’s so humble isn’t she?” Boston said. “Well let me tell ya, that was pretty cool, Caitlin! Great job, sister!”
Caitlin Clark on how the win adds to the triple-double: “Honestly, I’m just happy we won — [ends with] — but I mean, I don’t know.”
Aliyah Boston then interrupts: “She’s so humble isn’t she? Well let me tell ya. That was pretty cool Caitlin. Great job sister!”
Full clip: pic.twitter.com/9GXHOf4Xic
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) July 6, 2024
In the locker room, Fever coach Christie Sides also made sure Clark was properly recognized.
the team celebrated Caitlin Clark’s historic triple-double in the locker room after the dub over New York 😤 pic.twitter.com/HyKwOoe2Rj
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 6, 2024
As the WNBA is learning, Clark is first and foremost a fierce competitor. Sometimes, she has to be reminded to celebrate her accomplishments.
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.