Caitlin Clark has officially etched her name in the WNBA record books. Known for her remarkable scoring feats in college, the Iowa Hawkeyes star has carried her playmaking prowess into the professional ranks. Just a rookie, she’s already breaking records and outperforming some of the biggest names in the league’s history. Caitlin Clark’s rise to the top is not only a testament to her incredible talent but also the beginning of a legendary career, one assist at a time.
Caitlin Clark Shatters WNBA Single-Season Assist Record
During her four-year stint at the University of Iowa, Caitlin Clark rewrote the NCAA’s scoring record. However, it’s her sensational ability to set up her teammates that has now taken center stage in her rookie WNBA season. In a memorable game against the Las Vegas Aces, Clark broke the single-season assists record, surpassing both Courtney Vandersloot and Alyssa Thomas in one fell swoop.
Clark entered the game just three assists shy of Vandersloot’s record and five assists behind Alyssa Thomas’ all-time high. Less than one half into the game, Clark not only surpassed Vandersloot but also toppled Thomas’ record, dishing out a total of nine assists that night and bringing her season total to a staggering 321.
Clark’s ability to find the open player, whether through slick cross-court passes, no-look dimes, or laser-like dishes in traffic, has made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. But what makes her assist feat even more impressive is that she did it in her rookie season, setting the bar high for future point guards.
What Makes Caitlin Clark’s Playmaking So Special?
Clark’s assist numbers are jaw-dropping, but the way she orchestrates the offense is pure art. She has an uncanny ability to see plays before they unfold, threading the needle through defenders and making passes that leave the crowd—and often her teammates—in awe. Caitlin doesn’t just pass the ball; she delivers it with precision, timing, and flair.
Her basketball IQ is off the charts, often making quick reads that result in wide-open layups or three-pointers for her teammates. Clark’s court vision, paired with her ability to make snap decisions under pressure, makes her a dual-threat guard—capable of torching defenses with both her scoring and passing.
Fun fact: Clark doesn’t just dish out assists; she does it with style. Her penchant for the dramatic and her flair for the spectacular makes every pass a potential highlight reel.
The Race to Break WNBA’s Assist Records: Where Clark Stands
Before Clark’s record-breaking performance, Courtney Vandersloot and Alyssa Thomas stood at the top of the WNBA’s single-season assist leaderboard. Let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers and see where Clark ranks among the greats.
| Rank | Player | Assists | APG | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caitlin Clark | 321 | 8.4 | 2024 |
| 2 | Alyssa Thomas | 316 | 7.9 | 2023 |
| 3 | Courtney Vandersloot | 314 | 8.1 | 2023 |
| 4 | Courtney Vandersloot | 300 | 9.1 | 2019 |
| 5 | Chelsea Gray | 291 | 7.3 | 2023 |
| 6 | Courtney Vandersloot | 275 | 8.6 | 2021 |
| 7 | Alyssa Thomas | 270 | 7.7 | 2024 |
| 8 | Courtney Vandersloot | 258 | 8.6 | 2018 |
| 9 | Courtney Williams | 251 | 6.3 | 2023 |
| 10 | Natasha Cloud | 239 | 7.0 | 2022 |
As seen in the table, Caitlin Clark now reigns supreme at the top, surpassing some of the most celebrated point guards in the league.
Assist Stats Breakdown: Season-by-Season Overview
What’s even more remarkable about Clark’s achievement is that she accomplished this feat during the WNBA’s first 40-game regular season, making her total even more impressive compared to those who played shorter seasons.
| Season | Assists Per Game (APG) | Total Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8.4 | 321 |
With 321 assists under her belt and an average of 8.4 assists per game, Clark’s playmaking is only improving with each game. She now owns the fifth-highest assists per game average in WNBA history, trailing only Courtney Vandersloot, who holds the top four spots.
The Road Ahead: Can Clark Topple More Records?
It’s hard to imagine Clark slowing down anytime soon. With her rookie season nearing its conclusion, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: What other records might Clark shatter?
Vandersloot may own the single-season assists average record, but Clark is well on her way to becoming one of the all-time greats in playmaking. Vandersloot, second on the all-time assists list, is chasing Sue Bird’s legendary 3,234 assists total over 19 seasons. For Clark to break Bird’s mark, she would need to maintain her current assist rate over at least 10 seasons. It’s an ambitious goal, but with Clark, nothing seems out of reach.
Can Clark Make a Bid for the Triple-Double Record?
Beyond her assist heroics, Clark is also one of the most well-rounded players in the league, capable of scoring, rebounding, and dishing dimes in equal measure. While she’s yet to break the WNBA’s triple-double record, the way she fills the stat sheet makes it a matter of “when,” not “if.”
Fun Stat: Clark set the WNBA’s single-game assist record earlier this season, racking up an astonishing 19 assists in a game against the Dallas Wings on July 17.
Humor, Flair, and Sarcasm in the Assist Game
Let’s be real: Watching Caitlin Clark pass the ball is more fun than watching most players shoot. Her no-look passes and pinpoint accuracy have defenders looking around as if they’ve just lost something—probably their dignity. She doesn’t just deliver the ball; she sends it via express delivery, often with a “you didn’t see that coming, did you?” smirk.
And for the record, if anyone was wondering, yes, her teammates love her. I mean, who wouldn’t want a player who sets you up for a wide-open shot while the defense is still figuring out what just happened?
The Intrigue of Caitlin Clark’s Legacy
What makes Clark’s accomplishment even more intriguing is the pace at which she’s breaking records. She’s barely scratched the surface of her professional career, yet she’s already playing like a seasoned veteran. For those who thought her brilliance was limited to college, her WNBA play has been a firm “hold my Gatorade” moment.
Final Thoughts: The Legend Continues
Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. Her assists record is just one chapter in what promises to be a storied career. With her dynamic playmaking and undeniable court vision, Clark is not just changing the game—she’s redefining what it means to be a point guard.