Congrats! Caitlin Clark Scores First Triple-Double By A Rookie In WNBA History

Caitlin Clark made WNBA history on July 6, 2024, becoming the first rookie ever to record a triple double in the league's existence. The Indiana Fever point guard put up 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds in an 83 to 78 comeback victory over the first place New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Caitlin Clark Becomes The First Rookie To Record A Triple Double

According to the Associated Press, Clark's historic performance helped the Fever snap a nine game losing streak with a massive upset over the Liberty. The 22 year old No. 1 overall draft pick came out firing, knocking down three of four three pointers in the first quarter to score 11 points. By the third quarter, she had surpassed double digit assists, and she crossed the 10 rebound threshold in the fourth to complete the triple double.

The Fever mounted an 11 to 0 run late in the game to seal the comeback victory. It was also the first triple double in Indiana Fever franchise history. When asked about the achievement postgame, Clark deflected the praise to her teammates, crediting them for making the plays that allowed her to rack up the assists.

Caitlin Clark's Record Breaking College Career

The triple double was just the latest milestone in what has been a record shattering career for Clark. According to ESPN, during her final season as an Iowa Hawkeye, Clark was named Big Ten Player of the Year and finished as the school's all time leading scorer. She recorded the most 30 point performances in a Division I game by any player, male or female, in the previous 25 seasons.

Clark also became the first Division I women's athlete to score at least 1,000 points in two separate seasons and set the record for most points in a single season in Division I women's basketball history. She was named Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament, capping off one of the most decorated college careers the sport has ever seen.

Angel Reese Was Also Making History As A Rookie

While Clark was rewriting the record books, fellow rookie Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky was on a historic run of her own. According to Bleacher Report, Reese became the first rookie to record seven consecutive double doubles and extended her streak to 12 straight, tying Candace Parker's WNBA record in the process.

The 2024 WNBA rookie class, headlined by Clark and Reese, brought unprecedented attention to the league. Their rivalry, which dates back to their college days at Iowa and LSU, continued to drive viewership and conversation throughout the season. Both players proved that the future of women's basketball is in very good hands.