Caitlin Clark on needing 1 more rebound for 2nd career triple-double: 'Of course I knew'
As time ticked away on the Indiana Fever’s victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday, Caitlin Clark was one rebound away from history. She was closing in on her second career triple-double after becoming the first rookie to ever achieve that feat earlier this year.
Ultimately, she got it and finished the night with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The former Iowa star was well aware of her surroundings, too.
“Of course I knew,” Clark told CBS Sports Network’s Kelsie Kasper after the buzzer sounded on Indiana’s 93-86 victory.
The crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted when Clark made eve more history. She not only became the first WNBA rookie to ever record multiple triple-doubles, but is also now the youngest player to ever do so.
She added the goal, of course, was just to keep locking down the Sparks offense and get the win. But Aliyah Boston still made sure to have some fun with Clark’s feat.
“Honestly, we were just trying to get stops,” Clark said. “I thought our defense got a lot better there at the end of the game. But we need to find a way to be consistent there for four quarters. Proud of our group. We found a way to get it done.
“But somebody had to get the rebound. AB was joking, we always joke about stealing each other’s rebounds, so that was funny.”
Caitlin Clark: Kelsey Mitchell ‘deserves’ postseason berth
It’s been a big couple days for Clark and the Fever. The franchise saw its postseason drought end Tuesday night when the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream both loss, sending Indiana to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Clark reflected on the achievement and what it meant for the team. But she also pointed out Kelsey Mitchell, who played a key role in getting back to the playoffs amid a career year.
“I’m just really happy for this organization,” Clark said. “Obviously, longest drought in WNBA history of not making it to the playoffs. Happy – I mean, look at these fans. They’re incredible. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if we’d be here.
“And I’m just really happy for Kelsey Mitchell, too. She’s been with this organization for seven years. Really, they’ve honestly struggled, and she’s had probably the best year of her career. Has played really, really good basketball. So I’m just really happy for her. She deserves this just about more [than] anybody. I’m happy for her.”