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Caitlin Clark
Krishna Shukla

Caitlin Clark’s Rookie of the Year: The Best 10 Defining Moments

Caitlin Clark has been a remarkable basketball player, let alone a rookie this year. She displayed an immense level of composure and skill even when some of the members of the WNBA community criticized her for her overhyped fame. Nevertheless, it seems like she did not pay any heed to them as it is evident from the stats chart of the Indiana Fever guard. That’s why she was able to make the best of her rookie year in the coveted league and made sure to stand best to her fame and expectations.

On her way to being the best among the top tiers in her debut season, Caitlin Clark hit various milestones. In the following article, we will go through the records that Caitlin Clark made and the accolades she got for her achievements.

Best Moments from Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Year

Some of the best performances create several memories for the fans, and Caitlin Clark did it in her debut season. And it was so perfect that it earned her the 2024 WNBA Kia Rookie Of The Year award. Since she has already hit the greatest achievement that any player can achieve in the league, let’s check out the highlight moments from her journey that left fans in awe of the talent of the Indiana Fever domination. These moments not only entertained but also gave hope to the fans for the future of WNBA.

1. Debut Game Domination

Even though her debut was not as explosive as fans expected it to be, Caitlin Clark managed to make an impact in her debut game against the Connecticut Sun. It was a tough game for the Indiana Fever guard as the Sun defense was continuously going for the turnovers. With a team of veterans like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, the Connecticut Sun team did not underestimate Caitlin Clark, limiting her performance to only 20 points.

However, even on her bad day, Caitlin emerged to be the leading scorer on her team. Only DeWanna Bonner was able to score the same point tally as Clark in that game. Unfortunately, Indiana Fever could not win that game, but the team got a new powerhouse in the form of Caitlin Clark.

2. Surpassing 500 Points Milestone

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark against the Minnesota Lynx- Getty Images

When it comes to scoring the bucket, there was nothing normal about Caitlin Clark from the 2024 WNBA season. As per official WNBA data, she scored a whopping 769 points in a single season as a rookie this year. However, it was a journey for the Indiana Fever guard, and the milestone event was when Caitlin Clark hit the 500-point milestone during the regular season game.

On August 24, 2024, Caitlin Clark achieved the remarkable feat while playing against the Minnesota Lynx on a Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis. Also, Caitlin Clark achieved this feat in just 29 games after her debut, which is an eye-popping fact itself.

3. Game-winning buzzer Beater

Caitlin Clark’s Buzzer Beater Against the Atlanta Dream

Caitlin Clark has been a great shooter since her debut in the WNBA. Although she is not as elite as other players, like the top-tier shooters, she managed to maintain the three-point percentage at 34.4% this season. However, her ability to deliver during the clutch moments is what makes her special in the league. During a game between Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever on September 9 this year where Indiana was leading by one point, Caitlin Clark wanted to make an impact.

And she got it during the end seconds of the game when she stepped back without 3 seconds left on the clock. The Indiana Fever guard then took her stance and drilled through the basket in the form of a buzzer-beater as a 3-pointer. The Fever team won that match by 4 4-point margin thanks to their rookie guard.

4. Breaking Three-Point Field Goal Record In Indiana Fever Franchise History As A Rookie

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark against Washington Mystics- Getty Images

Caitlin Clark kept reminding the opponents of her shooting prowess whenever they tried to clasp her around the paint. One such instance popped up on June 7, 2024, this year when Indiana Fever appeared before the Washington Mystics in the WNBA 2024 season. Clark scored about 30 points, including seven three-pointers beyond the arc. It set a franchise record for Caitlin Clark’s as the most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single game.

Also Read: WNBA Viewership and Attendance in 2024: How the League Is Growing

5. The Pioneering Triple-Double

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark against New York Liberty- Getty Images

Caitlin Clark continuously strived for an all-round performance though her shooting was excellent in the second half of the season. However, she achieved her ambition during the July 6 game last season against the New York Liberty. By doing so, she not only became the first player in franchise history but also the one and only WNBA rookie to tally a triple-double in a pro game. On that night, Caitlin Clark dished out 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds.

6A Game With All-Round Skill Display

A month after showcasing her 30-point play to the Washington Mystics, Caitlin Clark delivered another notable performance of her rookie year on July 10, 2024. After the 1973-74 era, she became the first player, whether it be WNBA or NBA, to score at least 29 points, five rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, and five three-pointers.

It justified the hype around Caitlin Clark’s play style since her numbers not only rival the women’s basketball players. But they also stand equal to any basketball player whether it be male or female.

7. Most Assists In A Single Game

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark against the Dallas Wings- Getty Images

Usually, the on-court domination of Caitlin Clark compels the audience to perceive her as one of the most aggressive scorers. However, she is more than just an individual scorer as she also plays well in the game of assist. When the defense was not wide open, Caitlin Clark tried to lure the defenders to herself for a basket. That’s why on July 17, 2024 against the Dallas Wings, Clark handed over the rein of scoring to her fellow players.

She made 19 assists in a single game, setting up the record for most assists from a player in a regular season game as per WNBA record. Also, Caitlin Clark set a new record for most assists in a single game by any player in the WNBA league ever.

8. Highest Scoring Season By A Rookie

As the season’s end approached, Caitlin Clark upped her game against the Dallas Wings. On September 1, 2024, Caitlin Clark made history by becoming the highest-scoring individual in the WNBA history as a rookie. The Indiana Fever guard made history by dishing out 28 points against the Dallas Wings in a mid-season game.

9. Career-High Score In Season Ending Game

During her last regular season game on the home turf of the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark did not stay away from hitting another milestone as she recorded her career-high 35-point game in the pro league on September 15, 2024. It came on the 10 of 22 shooting from the three-point line, taking her total WNBA point tally to 761 points. It seemed like an adieu to a memorable season that Caitlin Clark gave in her own way.

10. The Double Double Streak

Through the games between June 30 and July 12, Caitlin Clark recorded five double-doubles in consecutive games. The record was set in terms of points and assists and emerged as the longest streak in terms of points/assists double-doubles in league history from a WNBA player. Also, it’s not just the streak. Rather, the six-footer guard also has her name etched for having the most double-doubles [9] as a rookie in WNBA history.

Achievements and Accolades in Caitlin Clark’s First Year

In addition to her memorable moments, Caitlin Clark accumulated various accolades coming her way due to her performance. Here are some of them as highlighted by the official site of the Indiana Fever.

Clinching the Rookie of the Year Title

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark Rookie Of The Year- Getty Images

Caitlin Clark’s season culminated in being named Rookie of the Year, a title she had been working toward from her debut game onward. Her statistics, poise, and game-changing plays led to her being a unanimous choice for this honor. The 2024 Kia Rookie of the Year was in some way already in the name of Caitlin Clark since she had already earned the Rookie of the Month title multiple in the previous season.

The Sharpshooter

Caitlin Clark shot the most(104) 3-pointers this season from distances between 27 and 32 feet from the hoop. The mean depth of Clark’s made treys this season is a whopping 28.04 feet. It was nearly two whole feet deeper than any other player in the WNBA this season.

Scoring Title Queen

Caitlin Clark leads the WNBA league in terms of scoring as a rookie in a single season, as she recorded 769 points last season. It depicts that despite being a guard, the Indiana Fever player has been a dominant force and not just another playmaker on the court. Whether it be a rim defender role, assists, or three-pointers, Caitlin Clark is up for everything.

Unique Offense-Defense Combo

Caitlin Clark is the only player ever to have accumulated in a season at least 20 blocks and 35 steals while shooting at least 54 percent from the field, at least 30 percent from 3-point range and at least 89 percent from the free throw line. In a certain manner, the record and its uniqueness check out the ability of Caitlin Clark to cover both sides of the court without any trouble or consistency issues.

Assist Leader In A Single Season For A Franchise

Caitlin Clark has also already set a new franchise record for most assists by a player in a season with 213, and that eclipses Erica Wheeler’s mark of 201 she set last season. That record came over 40 games. Clark broke it in 26 games, and that also in her rookie season for the Indiana Fever.

Multiple Rookie of the Month Honors

Throughout her rookie season, Clark’s consistent performance earned her multiple Rookie of the Month awards. Her first one came during the debut month of May, then the other three awards followed in the months of July, August, and September. Moreover, she is the only player to win the Player of the Month and the Rookie of the Month title in the same month.

Triple-Double Record Setter

She became the only WNBA Rookie in history to record two triple-doubles in a single season. Even the veterans of the game are sometimes not able to achieve this feat due to a lack of all-round skills. However, Caitlin Clark proved her mettle to play any position she desired and not only the guard of the Indiana Fever.

Fan Favorite and Social Media Sensation

Caitlin Clark’s immeasurable looks and charm soon made her a darling among fans. Her brilliant plays and modesty outside the playing field brought her closer to the hearts of the people. Her fame reflects on her huge following on social media, reaching even more fans and attracting their attention. Even during the All-Star voting, Caitlin Clark broke the record when she gathered the most All-Star votes (700,735) of any player on the All-Time list.

Top-Ranked Among WNBA Rookie Stats

Statistically, Caitlin Clark led or ranked high in nearly every category. From points to assists and three-point shooting, her numbers were impeccable in the context of a rookie performance. Clark’s rookie statistics not only put her atop the WNBA rookie rankings but also placed her in a position as the future star of the league in her debut season itself.
Clark’s stats leads all rookies in points per game (17.1), assists per game (8.2), steals per game (1.5), free throw shooting (89.1 percent), field-goals made (138), 3-point field goals made (71) and minutes per game (35.2).

All-Star Dominance

Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark at 2024 WNBA All-Star

It is quite rare for a rookie to make it to the All-Star, but Caitlin Clark made sure to leave an impact instead of just enjoying the event. In her first WNBA All-Star game, Clark recorded a game-high 10 assists, tying the record for second most assists ever recorded in an All-Star Game.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s freshman campaign was utterly sensational, from game-changing performances on the hard court to record-shattering games. It has simply been an experience with defying moments, and everything about this journey embodies so much talent, perseverance, and promise. Although hate was also part of it from fellow members of the WNBA community, Caitlin Clark did not let those statements and controversies ruin her passion for the game.