Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark made history by becoming the first player in franchise history and the first rookie in WNBA history to achieve a triple-double as the Fever triumphed over the New York Liberty, 83-78, on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark’s stellar performance included 19 points, tying both her career and franchise-high with 13 assists, and matching her career-best with 12 rebounds. This victory marked Indiana’s first win against the Liberty since 2022, propelled by a decisive 19-6 run in the fourth quarter that extended the Fever’s home winning streak to five games.
Alongside Clark’s standout achievement, four Fever players, including all three of Indiana’s 2024 WNBA All-Stars, contributed double-digit scoring. Center Aliyah Boston delivered 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. Guard Kelsey Mitchell followed with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists, maintaining her streak of eight consecutive games scoring in double figures. Forward NaLyssa Smith secured her fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Clark also set a new record as the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach milestones of 350+ points, 150+ assists, and 120+ rebounds in just her 22nd career game, surpassing the previous record held by Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, achieved in 30 games.
Off the bench, forward Damiris Dantas and guard Lexie Hull made significant contributions, combining for 13 points. Dantas scored her first points of the season early in the second quarter with a three-point field goal, finishing with a perfect 3-of-3 shooting. Hull added six points, shooting 2-of-3 from the field and making both her free throw attempts.
The game saw Indiana take an early lead with a 15-6 run in the first quarter, ending the period ahead 24-18. The Liberty briefly took the lead, 35-33, in the second quarter, but Indiana closed the half with a narrow 39-38 advantage. Despite being outscored 24-16 in the third quarter, the Fever rallied in the final quarter to secure the victory. Indiana dominated in key statistical categories, outscoring the Liberty in paint points (42-30), bench points (15-14), and outrebounding them 41-31.
For the New York Liberty (17-4), three players scored in double figures, led by Sabrina Ionescu with 22 points on 9-of-23 shooting, including 4-of-13 from three-point range. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton contributed 20 points, along with four rebounds and four assists, while Breanna Stewart managed 14 points primarily from the free throw line.
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