Clark sets record as Mitchell scores 20-plus again, leading Fever

In an impressive display of talent, Caitlin Clark from Indiana has set a new WNBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a single season. Her teammate, Kelsey Mitchell, made history as well by becoming the first player from the Fever to score over 20 points in five consecutive games. This remarkable performance contributed to an 84-80 victory over the Connecticut Sun, marking the end of the Fever’s 11-game losing streak against this formidable team.

The Fever’s recent success brings their season record to 15-16, a significant turnaround from their tough start of 1-8. Since June 10, Indiana has posted a 12-6 record, which ranks as the third-best in the WNBA during that period, just behind New York and Minnesota.

As the Fever approaches the possibility of clinching their first playoff spot since 2016, the team’s growth and resilience are notable. In 2016, they finished with a respectable 17-17 record. This year’s WNBA season has been expanded to 40 games, adding new challenges for every team.

Meanwhile, the Sun’s defeat brought their record down to 22-8. This loss was particularly significant as it marked the first time Connecticut has fallen to Indiana since July 3, 2021.

Fever head coach Christie Sides praised her players, highlighting their maturity and toughness exhibited throughout the game. “The maturity and the toughness that my players showed tonight was just incredible,” Sides remarked. “We’re watching them grow up, from where we started to where we are now. Connecticut is an incredible team. I’m so proud of these players.”

Kelsey Mitchell, drafted second overall in 2018, led the Fever with 23 points, scoring a total of 128 points over her last five games, during which Indiana’s record has improved to 4-1.

Clark contributed significantly with 19 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. This performance made her the first player in WNBA history to record six consecutive games of at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. She has now secured her position in an elite group, tying with Diana Taurasi for the longest such streak in league history. Taurasi achieved this feat in 2010.

With three successful 3-pointers during the game, Clark reached a total of 88 for the season across 31 games, surpassing the previous rookie record of 85 set by Rhyne Howard in 34 games as the top overall pick and Rookie of the Year in 2022.

Clark previously set the rookie assist record in the WNBA. During her college career at Iowa, she made a staggering 548 3-pointers, contributing to her all-time NCAA Division I record of 3,951 points.

Reflecting on her 3-point shooting success, Clark expressed gratitude for the offensive style the Fever embraces: “I just think it speaks to the way we play offense. Just fast, uptempo. I feel like I’m definitely capable of shooting it a little bit better.”

Despite missing a 3-point attempt that almost went in, Clark shared her positive outlook regarding her shot selection. “I felt like it was in,” she commented with a smile. “That upset me a little bit. But I feel like I’m taking good shots, and that’s the most important thing for this team.”

The chemistry between Clark and Mitchell has been evident and strong since the WNBA resumed play after the Olympic break. Mitchell’s current streak of five consecutive 20-point games is a notable achievement, and even the franchise’s legendary player, Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, did not accomplish this feat.

“That’s really, really hard to do in this league,” Clark noted about Mitchell’s performance. “In my eyes, she’s one of the most underrated players. Every night for her is very consistent. She shows up, she performs… she’s always somebody I can count on, and it’s been a lot of fun to build our chemistry over the course of this season.”