Caitlin Clark showed no signs of rust on Friday.
Caitlin Clark return Despite not making the Olympic team, the rookie sensation had nearly a month without any competitive basketball. Yet, as the WNBA’s regular season picked back up, she didn’t skip a beat.
Clark racked up 29 points (just one point short of her career best) and dished out 10 assists, leading the Indiana Fever to a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.
Caitlin Clark, wearing #22 for the Indiana Fever, reacts during the second half of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Clark hit 50% of her shots from the field (8-for-16) and made 4-of-11 from beyond the arc. She was nearly perfect at the free-throw line, sinking 9 out of 10 attempts.
The Fever had a 17-point lead at halftime, but the Mercury opened the second half with a 25-7 run, taking a one-point lead. However, Indy responded by finishing the third quarter with a 12-3 run, going into the fourth with an eight-point advantage.
Caitlin Clark return In the final quarter, Clark added eight points and handed out four assists, helping the Fever seal the victory.
Caitlin Clark, wearing #22 for the Indiana Fever, reacts after sinking a three-pointer during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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2024 WNBA ODDS: CAITLIN CLARK HEAVILY FAVORED OVER ANGEL REESE FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Caitlin Clark return After starting the season with a 3-9 record, the Fever have turned things around, winning nine of their last 14 games to improve to 12-15.
Clark has also stepped up her game, recording eight double-doubles in her last 10 appearances. During this stretch, she’s averaging 19.8 points and 11.7 assists per game.
Her most recent WNBA performance was in last month’s All-Star Game, where she received the highest number of votes. Clark was the only player to surpass 700,000 votes.
While in Paris, Dawn Staley mentioned that if the USA Basketball selection committee could reconsider their choices, Clark would have likely made the roster.
Caitlin Clark, wearing #22 for the Indiana Fever, celebrates during the game on August 16, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
