On yet another sold-out night at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever etched her name in the WNBA record books once again. This time, the rookie sensation set the league record for the most assists in a single season—by any player in the WNBA’s 25-year history. This feat further solidified Clark’s impact, not just on her team but on the entire league.
Watching from her usual seat was WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, the former face of the Fever franchise. Catchings, who led the Fever to a WNBA championship in 2012, couldn’t help but marvel at Clark’s meteoric rise. As Clark has broken records and led Indiana to its first playoff appearance since 2016, Catchings believes the rookie has taken both the team and the WNBA to new heights.
“I would hate to be playing the Fever in the upcoming playoffs,” Catchings said. “Caitlin, Aliyah [Boston], and Kelsey [Mitchell] form a three-headed monster. They’ve made Indiana a tough team to face, and I still don’t think they’re playing their best basketball yet.”
Wow… today is the day… 🙌🏽🥰#HOF #Enshrinement #PinchMe #Blessed pic.twitter.com/bOvVRUtNl6
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) May 15, 2021
Clark’s impact has gone far beyond stats. She’s transformed the Fever into must-watch TV, helping drive national WNBA ratings to historic highs. Her leadership on the court has rejuvenated a team that started the season 1-8 but has since surged to a 20-19 record, locking down a playoff spot.
A Franchise-Changer
Catchings, a 10-time All-Star and one of the WNBA’s most decorated players, sees Clark as a game-changer. “She’s rejuvenated not just the franchise, but the whole city,” Catchings said. “When I played, the excitement wasn’t quite at this level. Now, tickets are hard to come by, and the Fever have out-drawn the Indiana Pacers on a per-game basis. That’s the impact she’s had.”
🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 https://t.co/EOsgpGNECC
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) May 6, 2024
Clark, who entered the WNBA as the all-time leading collegiate scorer for both men and women, struggled early in her rookie year. The team wasn’t winning, and her turnover numbers were high. But as the season went on, Clark’s connection with her teammates improved, and they started anticipating her pinpoint passes. With each game, Clark’s chemistry with the team grew, and she began to show the full range of her abilities—especially her court vision and passing.
“She has that Sue Bird, Ticha Penicheiro-like court vision,” Catchings noted. “Her basketball IQ is off the charts. She knows who needs the ball and when, which has made her the league’s best passer.”
Handling Pressure with Grace
What’s impressed Catchings the most about Clark is how she handles herself under pressure. In an era where social media and off-court controversies can quickly become distractions, Clark has maintained her focus. Despite social media spats and even a physical targeting by opponents, like when Chicago’s Chennedy Carter shoulder-checked Clark, she has risen above it all.
“Back when I played, there wasn’t social media. It’s a whole new world now. The way she rises above all the drama is admirable,” Catchings said, referring to some of the early-season controversies involving Clark. “She’s handled everything with grace, especially considering the unfortunate situations that popped up.”
Beyond the Records
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has been nothing short of remarkable. In addition to her league-leading assists, she’s broken records for rookie 3-point shooting and scoring, set a franchise record for double-doubles, and became only the sixth player in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles. But as Catchings pointed out, there’s still room for growth—particularly in managing her emotions on the court.
317 assists in the (317) 🏙️🔥
Caitlin Clark broke the @WNBA record for most assists in a season in her first year in Indy. pic.twitter.com/Wzz7XaCusx
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 14, 2024
“She’s got to focus on her game and not get too caught up in the refs,” Catchings said. Clark’s sixth technical foul of the season came recently, and one more will result in a suspension. “But even when she’s frustrated, she manages to pull herself back into the game. She’s still adjusting, and point guard is the hardest position to figure out in your rookie year.”
Despite the early bumps, Clark has supercharged the Fever, and her influence on the league is undeniable. With her electric play, she’s become the ultimate change agent for a sport that’s been seeking its breakthrough into mainstream American sports consciousness.
And the scariest part? Caitlin Clark is just getting started.