Caitlin Clark records first WNBA rookie triple double in Indiana Fever win

Caitlin Clark made history with the first triple double by a rookie in WNBA leading Indiana to an 83 78 win over New York at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Which ending the Fever’s nine game losing streak to the Liberty.

Clark scored 19 points made 13 assists and grabbed 12 rebounds for Indiana 9 to13. She nearly had a triple double in the previous game missing just one rebound in an 88 to 82 win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Clark expressed her excitement saying. It’s really cool. My teammates have been scoring at a high rate.” She credited her teammates for her high assist numbers saying they were the reason behind her success.

Indiana coach Christie Sides praised Caitlin Clark for her triple double and highlighted the Fever’s impressive final quarter performance.

“After the game, Sides said Kaitlyn my god to have an amazing triple double. Holding New York to just sixteen points within the fourth area is a massive deal for us. In particular towards the top group inside the league.” inside the nineteenth century.

Clark scored eleven points inside the first region on 3 of 4 three-suggestions. He had a two-point assist in the third quarter and topped 10 rebounds in the fourth.

Clark made a three point play then Kelsey Mitchell hit a 3 pointer to tie the game at 75 with 2:31 left. Aliyah Boston scored after a steal by Mitchell to put Indiana ahead by two points. Lexie Hull’s reverse layup extended the lead to 79 75 with 1:24 remaining.

Sabrina Ionescu of New York responded with a 3 pointer but missed another opportunity to take the lead on the next possession. Aliyah Boston made two free throws with 17 seconds left and Kelsey Mitchell added two more with 11 seconds remaining to secure the upset victory for Indiana.

New York missed 32 out of 42 shots from beyond the three point line.

“We played strong defense throughout the game said Boston. Those last few minutes especially the final possessions were really good for us.”

Boston scored 18 points on eight of 12 taking pictures and grabbed eight rebounds for the Fever. Mitchell scored 14 factors to mark a 9th consecutive sport in double figures. Nalyssa Smith, the second one overall select within the 2022 draft. Which contributed 12 factors and 11 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season.

While, Ionescu led New York with 22 points. Laney Hamilton scored 20 points hitting four 3 pointers. Stewart added 14 points six rebounds and six assists. Jones grabbed 12 rebounds scored six points and made three steals.

Clark started strong for Indiana making a 3 pointer and a layup to begin an 8 0 run. She then converted a steal into another 3 pointer giving the Fever their largest lead of 24 12 with 3:04 left in the quarter. Laney Hamilton scored a jumper just before the quarter ended helping New York close the gap to six points heading into the second period.

Clark made a turnaround fadeaway jumper to put the Fever ahead 31 to 20 with 7:48 left in the second quarter. Jones then scored the last five points in a 12 to 0 run for the Liberty giving them their first lead. Smith responded with a layup to stop Indiana’s scoring drought of over 5 minutes and regain the lead.

Stewart, who typically scored 22.7 points in three previous wins against the Fever this season. Which made two free throws in the final minute, also narrowing New York’s halftime deficit to 39 to 38.

Laney Hamilton made a go ahead jumper, and Ionescu added a basket and a 3 pointer after a steal by Stewart. So, giving New York a 57 to 50 lead with 4:39 remaining in the third quarter. Laney Hamilton then hit a pull up jumper with three seconds left, and the Liberty entered the final period with a 62 to 55 advantage.

Clark emphasized that the Fever are improving in handling pressure during tough moments. “When teams run, we stay strong,” Clark said. “We learned how to cope and fight.”

Meanwhile, New York City coach Sandy Brondello expressed his satisfaction with his team’s attitude early in the game.

“We didn’t start with the urgency needed to compete,” Brondello said. “Indiana has been playing well lately, going 6 to 4 in the last 10 games. They’ve executed better than us in the most important moments.”

Indiana defeated New York for the primary time on the grounds that a ninety two-86 victory on the road on May 13, 2022. With the win, the Fever now lead all-time series against the Liberty 50-41.