Fever rookie Caitlin Clark isn't headed to the Olympics in 2024, but she will enter Saturday's All-Star Game with a new WNBA record in hand.
Clark broke the league record for most assists in a game Wednesday, dishing out 19 in a 101-93 loss to the Wings. The record was previously held by Courtney Vandersloot, who recorded 18 assists in a game for the Sky in 2020.
Caitlin Clark is in a category of her own 👏
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 18, 2024
With 19 assists in tonight's game, Clark has set a new record for most AST in a single game in WNBA history
Previously, Courtney Vandersloot held the record with 18 AST in a game for the Chicago Sky vs. the Indiana Fever in 2020 pic.twitter.com/dUVzusSBTp
The Fever didn't have the night they wanted on defense, surrendering more than 100 points, but the offense hummed right along thanks in part to Clark's passing abilities. The 22-year-old has posted double-digit assists in six of her last seven games entering the Olympic break.
Clark also scored 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field and added six rebounds.
Here's a look at how Clark broke the record and which other players have approached the mark.
MORE: Full list of WNBA All-Stars vs. Team USA
Most assists in a WNBA game
| Player | Assists | Season | Team |
| Caitlin Clark | 19 | 2024 | Fever |
| Courtney Vandersloot | 18 | 2020 | Sky |
| Alyssa Thomas | 16 | 2023 | Sun |
| Sabrina Ionescu | 16 | 2022 | Liberty |
| Courtney Vandersloot | 16 | 2021 | Sky |
| Ticha Penicheiro | 16 | 2002 | Monarchs |
| Ticha Penicheiro | 16 | 1998 | Monarchs |
Clark's 19 assists broke Ticha Penicheiro's rookie record, set in 1998 with the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs, and Vandersloot's overall record, set in 2009 with the Sky.
ASSIST NUMBER 15 FOR CAITLIN CLARK#WNBA pic.twitter.com/2bSJ7s3e8d
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) July 18, 2024
This pass from Caitlin Clark to Aliyah Boston 😳 pic.twitter.com/jvk2XiHYyP
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) July 18, 2024
Clark's connection with her teammates seems to be improving with each game. She didn't record double-digit assists until her 18th WNBA game but has since rattled off seven double-digit assist games in the Fever's last nine contests.
MORE: Highlights from Clark's record-breaking night vs. Wings
Still, Clark never exceeded 13 assists in a game before Wednesday night. She and Aliyah Boston, who scored 28 points, found a new gear against the Wings even in a tough loss, as the Fever shot better than 53% from the field.
The record is another feather in the cap of Clark as she makes her case for WNBA Rookie of the Year. While she would much rather have gotten the win, the performance should at least earn her some more momentum in the race after a few notable figures made the case for Angel Reese to be the favorite for the award.
Clark and the Fever don't play again until Aug. 16, but the former Iowa star will take the court as a WNBA All-Star in Saturday's summer showcase against Team USA.
