Caitlin Clark set a new record for the most three-pointers made by a WNBA rookie on Wednesday, hitting her 86th shot from beyond the arc just under three minutes into the Indiana Fever’s 84-80 victory against the Connecticut Sun. This marked Indiana’s first win over the Sun in four attempts this season.
Clark finished the game with 19 points, contributing three three-pointers to her record. The previous record was held by Rhyne Howard from Atlanta, who made 85 three-pointers in her rookie season and was named the 2022 Rookie of the Year.
Currently a favorite for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award, Clark also grabbed five rebounds, delivered five assists, and recorded one steal and one block, although she recorded seven turnovers. She shot 7-for-17 overall, including 3-for-12 from three-point range.
The victory was significant for the Fever as they aim for a .500 record and a playoff position; they have not reached the postseason since 2016, which coincided with Clark’s freshman year in high school when the team was eliminated in the first round.
The game started with Connecticut taking an early 8-2 lead, but Indiana responded with a 20-7 run, concluding the first quarter with a 33-26 lead. They maintained a 51-42 lead at halftime and were ahead 69-66 by the end of the third quarter. With the score tied at 80-80 with 2:31 remaining, Clark drove to the basket to give the Fever the lead. Following several missed shots by both teams, Lexie Hull secured the win with two free throws.
All five Fever starters scored in double digits, led by Kelsey Mitchell with 23 points. Indiana shot 43.3% from three-point range, making 13 of 30 attempts.
The game was a notable event, attracting attention not just for Clark’s performance but also for the presence of Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Gabby Thomas, who were there to witness the action.