When it comes to rewriting the record books, Caitlin Clark is running out of pages. The Indiana Fever’s star guard, already a household name in basketball circles, has done it again—this time catching the eye of none other than WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro. Yes, that Ticha Penicheiro, the queen of assists who defined playmaking before Clark was even born.
In a saga that could easily be titled “Caitlin Clark vs. History,” the 22-year-old is just three assists away from breaking one of Penicheiro’s longstanding rookie records. To put it mildly, the fans are on the edge of their seats, and Ticha herself is glued to the drama—albeit from the comfort of her couch.
Let’s rewind. Penicheiro, the Portuguese maestro, burst onto the WNBA scene in 1998 with the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs. Her playmaking wizardry was a sight to behold, as she racked up 223 assists in her debut season—a record that’s stood unchallenged for a quarter of a century. But like all good records, it was only a matter of time before someone came along and said, “Hold my Gatorade.”
Enter Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeye who’s been making the WNBA look like her personal playground. Averaging 8.3 assists per game, Clark’s stat line is the stuff of legends—or in this case, the stuff of Ticha’s nightmares. Clark’s been dropping dimes like they’re going out of style, and now she’s just three assists shy of rewriting history.
And here’s where it gets fun. As Clark gears up to face the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, fans have started campaigning for Penicheiro to be there in person to pass the torch—or at least the assist crown. One fan, clearly hoping to will it into existence, tweeted, “PLEASE @TichaPenicheiro come to Sunday’s game to pass that torch. Nobody has your style and flair for passing, and I’m sure CC would be honored! The fans would go crazy!”
Well, dreams were dashed—but only slightly—when Ticha replied, “If I wasn’t celebrating my bestie’s 50th birthday, I would definitely be in attendance. Huge fan of CC and what she’s doing for women’s sports!! I will be watching on TV though…”
So, no pressure Caitlin, just a WNBA legend casually watching your every move from her living room. But hey, what’s a little added stress when you’re already rewriting history?
And as if the plot couldn’t thicken any more, let’s not forget the looming rivalry with Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. These two young stars are not just competing for Rookie of the Year; they’re leading a generational shift in women’s basketball. The old guard—Ticha and her ilk—are sitting back, popcorn in hand, marveling at the show.
So, as Sunday approaches, all eyes—yes, including Ticha’s—will be on Clark. Will she break the record? Almost certainly. Will Ticha cheer from her bestie’s birthday bash? Without a doubt. And as for the rest of us? We’ll just sit back, enjoy the game, and perhaps toast to Caitlin Clark, the record-breaker who’s redefining what it means to be great.