Caitlin Clark is one hell of a passer…
**INDIANAPOLIS — There was something distinct about Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s top overall pick, during Friday night’s 95-86 victory against the Phoenix Mercury. While she achieved her fifth consecutive point-assist double-double, including 13 assists for the third game in a row, her approach was different. Notably, she recorded seven assists in the first quarter, a franchise record for any quarter.
Clark and teammate Kelsey Mitchell showcased impressive chemistry on the court, with Clark making precise passes while Mitchell made dynamic cuts. Although Clark had only two assists in the second quarter, she compensated with 10 points on four-of-five shooting, starting the game with a long-range 29-footer. She was more dynamic and sharper than usual.
Fans previously tuned in to see if the “Clark Show” would make an appearance, but on this night, she took charge of it.
“I thought we came out really aggressive,” Clark said, reflecting on her comfort level as point guard. “From the start, our mission was to attack, and we did that for three quarters.”
When asked about Clark’s performance, Fever head coach Christie Sides remarked, “I don’t know if it’s more dynamic—she just does what she does. She can attract multiple defenders and has a unique ability to find her teammates and make exceptional passes.”
The Fever achieved a season-high 95 points against a weakened Phoenix squad that was missing two starters and lost another mid-game. The absence of rim protector Brittney Griner allowed Clark to confidently attack the basket more than ever.
After a disappointing loss to the league’s worst team, the Fever reverted to their regular starting lineup. Sides had previously made adjustments, opting for Clark, Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Katie Lou Samuelson at the 4, and Aliyah Boston. NaLyssa Smith, the usual starter at the 4, was benched. Following scrutiny, Sides called it a “team matter.”
With Smith back in the lineup, Samuelson moved to the 3, and Hull came off the bench, revitalizing the Fever’s offense to the level they displayed in their victory over the New York Liberty. Phoenix trailed by 23 points going into the fourth but narrowed the gap to four with three minutes remaining, thanks to Kahleah Copper’s 36 points.
Clark’s performance can be viewed in two ways: either her limited assists in the second quarter reflected a drop in team connection, or she was setting up her teammates effectively, which could have led her to 16 assists with better shooting. She’s recorded 13 assists in her last three games, just three shy of tying the rookie single-game record.
“It’s exciting to dissect the defense,” Clark said. “Especially when we stop them and can run in transition. I get really pumped about it. Honestly, many of my turnovers come from trying to play fast-paced basketball… sometimes I overpass because I want to set my teammates up so much—it adds a whole new dimension.”
“Exciting” is an understatement for Friday’s game. The Fever, now 10-14, won their last home game before the Olympic Break and will face the Minnesota Lynx next on Sunday.
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