Caitlin Clark added another historic note to her WNBA start on Thursday by becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 points and 500 assists. She reached the 500-assist mark during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Golden State Valkyries, doing it in just 59 games.
The milestone came after Clark had already passed 1,000 career points earlier this season. That earlier scoring mark came in the Fever’s season opener, a close loss to the Dallas Wings.
Clark’s latest milestone comes in record time
Clark’s 500th assist arrived midway through the second quarter on a long pass to Sophie Cunningham. The play pushed her into a category no WNBA player had reached faster, with Sue Bird previously holding the quickest path to 1,000 points and 500 assists at 82 games.
The assist also reflected Clark’s dual impact as a scorer and playmaker. Her ability to create offense for herself and for teammates continues to define her early WNBA career.
Valkyries control the first half, then survive the finish
Golden State spent much of the first half in control and built a double-digit lead before Indiana responded. A late Fever run pulled the game back into a 44-44 tie at halftime.
The second half stayed tight, with Indiana briefly taking its biggest lead of the night at seven points before the Valkyries answered. Golden State regained control in the closing minutes and then had to protect a slim margin under pressure.
With 16 seconds left, Gabby Williams split two free throws to give the Valkyries a two-point advantage. That left Indiana with one final chance to force overtime, but Aliyah Boston’s attempt at the buzzer missed.
Defense and bench production decide the game
Golden State got a strong defensive performance, led by Veronica Burton, who finished with a game-high 25 points and a career-high five blocks. The Valkyries used that effort to stay just ahead when the Fever pushed late.
Clark finished with 16 points and six assists, while rookie Raven Johnson also scored 16 points off the bench for Indiana. The Fever kept the game close throughout, but Golden State made enough plays down the stretch to secure the narrow win.
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