Caitlin Clark struggled to score at an efficient clip in her first matchup against Diana Taurasi. But she impacted the game in multiple other ways en route to an 88-82 road win for Indiana.
The rookie tallied 15 points on 4-of-14 shooting against the Mercury, including 2-of-10 from 3-point range. She had little room to operate, as Phoenix's Kahleah Copper played airtight defense. Clark instead racked up her assists after a tough start to the game.
The 22-year-old rookie helped lead a Fever comeback, as she tallied 12 assists to go along with 15 points and nine rebounds. She nearly recorded the first triple double by a WNBA rookie in history.
Taurasi, a 20-year WNBA veteran, scored 19 points for the Phoenix to go along with three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Sporting News tracked Clark's point total against Taurasi and the Mercury below.
MORE: Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi: Highlights from their first meeting
Caitlin Clark stats vs. Phoenix Mercury
- Minutes played: 39
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 9
- Assists: 12
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 6
- FG: 4-14
- 3FG: 2-10
- FT: 5-6
- Fouls: 3
MORE: History of Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi beef
Caitlin Clark highlights vs. Phoenix Mercury
Clark struggled to start her debut matchup vs. Taurasi and the Mercury. Phoenix's Kahleah Copper gave her little to no room on or off the ball in the first half, making both scoring and playmaking difficult for the rookie.
Still, the 22-year-old put together some highlights in the first two quarters, though the Fever trail the Mercury, 49-38, at halftime.
Of course, Clark gets her scoring started with a deep 3-pointer in the first quarter.
Her passes also stood out in the first half, as the chemistry between Clark and second-year forward Aliyah Boston has been growing in recent games.
Clark also got to the rim and converted on an and-1 as Indiana kept the game close in the second quarter.
Clark drained another logo 3-pointer in the second half.
And she finished the game with 12 assists and nine rebounds, finishing just shy of a triple-double.
After a tough first half, the Fever pieced together an incredible third quarter. Clark's passing was on display, as Indiana outscored Phoenix 29-15.
Clark kept finding her teammates en route to an 88-82 win for Indiana.
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