Caitlin Clark sets another record as Indiana Fever defeat Sparks
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to make 100 three-pointers in a season and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her second career triple-double as the playoff-bound Indiana Fever beat the Sparks 93-86 on Wednesday night.
Clark connected on her second three of the game and 100th of the season midway through the third quarter and added two more to reach 102 and finish four of 10 from long range. The No. 1 overall draft pick is the first rookie with 100 threes.
She also became the first rookie and fifth WNBA player with multiple triple-doubles in a season, joining Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Williams, Sabrina Ionescu and Candace Parker.
Aliyah Boston had 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Fever (18-16), who secured a playoff spot Monday night when Atlanta and Chicago lost. Indiana has won five straight for the first time since 2015 and is 10-1 at home since June 1.
At their first WNBA game, Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas see Fever star Caitlin Clark set an WNBA rookie record for three-pointers.
Clark made two free throws with 16.4 seconds left for a seven-point lead. Kia Nurse was long on a three-pointer at the other end and Clark grabbed the rebound to complete the triple-double.
“Of course I knew, but honestly, like, we were just trying to get stops,” Clark said in a courtside interview.
Clark also made a key defensive play when she poked a pass away in the paint and found Boston for a layup and a 91-84 lead with 25.2 seconds left.
Kelsey Mitchell added 18 points for Indiana, coming two points shy of her eighth straight 20-point game. NaLyssa Smith scored 13 points.
Odyssey Sims led the Sparks (7-26) with 20 points. Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell each scored 16, and Azura Stevens had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Sparks have lost five in a row on the road and 15 of 17 away from home this season.
