Four-Time WNBA All-Star Shouts Out Caitlin Clark After Breaking Assist Record

It only took Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark 28 games to break a WNBA record that had stood for 26 years.

Early in Sunday’s 92-75 win over the Seattle Storm, Clark broke Ticha Penicheiro’s rookie record for most assists in a single season. Penicheiro had a congratulatory video filmed and ready to go for when Clark inevitably surpassed her.

“Congratulations,” Penicheiro said in a video posted to the Fever’s X account. “A record that’s stood since 1998, and you come in here and your break it. Super proud of you. I know the work that you’ve put in.

“A lot of people always talk about your shooting — I was always mesmerized by your passing, your court vision, and how you make your teammates better. So, this record is in great hands, and continue to do what you do, continue to elevate your game and the women’s game and the WNBA.”

Penicheiro, a four-time WNBA All-Star who led the league in assists seven times, notched 225 assists during her debut season in 1998. The 22-year-old Clark entered Sunday’s matchup just two assists behind her, and she finished Sunday’s game with nine.

Clark leads the WNBA in assists, averaging 8.3 per game. Clark is currently on pace to finish her rookie season with 331 assists, which would shatter Alyssa Thomas’ single-season record of 316.

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