Caitlin Clark Makes WNBA History vs. Liberty

Caitlin Clark made WNBA history amidst a tense game against the New York Liberty.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates scoring Saturday, July 6, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. / Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indiana Fever freshman Caitlin Clark made WNBA history in her showdown with the New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon: by earning her 10th rebound in the fourth quarter, Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double.

Clark finished Saturday's game with 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds en route to an 83-78 victory over the Liberty, one that allowed the Fever to avoid a four-game seafoam sweep.

"I'm just happy we won," Clark said in the aftermath, per Michael Voepel of ESPN. "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 and set them up."

Saturday's triple-double is the latest accomplishment for Clark, the top overall pick from last spring's draft. In addition to embarking on a historic path for rookies, Clark is also the first player in Fever history to pull off the feat.

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) watch a free throw Saturday, July 6, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. / Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clark's Saturday prowess was a stark contrast from her last showdown with the Liberty, which saw her limited to 1-of-10 from the field in a 104-66 loss at Barclays Center on June 2. With Saturday's win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana (9-13) has won seven of its ensuing 11 and currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot on the WNBA playoff bracket (which would set up a first-round match with the top-ranked Liberty).

Clark has played a major role in that resurgence, averaging a WNBA-best 8.4 assists in that span alongside 16.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. Her efforts have since been rewarded with a WNBA All-Star Game nomination alongside teammate and reigning Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.

"We're definitely playing good basketball ... we're playing together better," Clark said in Voepel's report. "But I think the biggest difference for us has been when teams make runs, we don't crumble. We always believe we're in the games."

Clark's first chance at a follow-up lands on Wednesday afternoon when the Fever face the Washington Mystics at home (12 p.m. ET, NBA TV).

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