Caitlin Clark’s dominance during her time with the Iowa Hawkeyes was well documented, as she rewrote the program and NCAA record books. But as she continues her transition to the WNBA, she’s following a similar trend: separating herself from others in several incredible ways.
Caitlin Clark’s Excellence Put into Perspective With Viral Stats
Clark tipped off her second year in the WNBA on Saturday, May 17, facing off against the Chicago Sky. It was a much-anticipated season opener, as Clark routinely drew sell-out crowds at home and on the road in her rookie season.
As the game began, it was clear that Clark was in complete command and didn’t have any rust to knock off from a long offseason.
She sliced her way through the Sky defense for mid-range jumpers, rained 3s over outstretched contests, mixed it up down low on the boards and defensively, and executed several expert-level bounce passes to forward Aliyah Boston for layups.
In all, she produced a stat line that had never been recorded before in the history of the league: a triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists while adding four blocks and two steals. All that while shooting an extremely efficient 4-of-8 from 3-point range and nailing all four of her free throws.
Though it was an unprecedented day in Indiana, it was an example of a routinely brilliant game as part of the Clark experience.
WATCH: Clark’s New Custom ‘Rookie of the Year’ Nike Kobe Shoes Go Viral Ahead of Fever vs. Sky
The Fever won by 35 points, and the former Hawkeye played 32 minutes, three less than her average a season ago. There were more stats and impact to be had, as multiple Fever teammates dropped the ball on potential Clark assists at the rim.
In just her second year in the league, the Indiana guard has brought herself into a tie for third in WNBA history in triple-doubles, as she notched the third of her career on Saturday.
The others on the list?
Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas (15 triple-doubles), New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu (five), and retired two-time MVP Candace Parker, who is now tied with Clark with three. Thomas has played 11 seasons in the WNBA; Ionescu has played four; Parker played 16.
One game down into her second year, Clark has now competed in just 41 games in the league. Yet, she is already knocking on the door of second-place all-time in career triple-doubles — and the first-place leader has 10 more seasons of tenure.
It’s hard to put into perspective the scope of Clark’s dominance in just her second season in the WNBA. She’s already considered to be among the best players in the WNBA, if not the best.
She’s a marketing genius and an internationally known name. She signed an eight-year, $28 million brand deal with Nike, representing the largest sponsorship contract in women’s basketball history.
Clark is already a superstar within the WNBA. But as she continues her upward trend on the court, which her skills demonstrably project she will, Clark will have as much success as any player in league history.
It’s not a matter of if she’ll rewrite the record books — it’s when.