Yardbarker
x
Caitlin Clark continues to make MVP case with latest feats
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) rushes up the court Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 93-86. Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to make MVP case with latest feats

While most of the discussion surrounding Caitlin Clark has been about the Rookie of the Year race, the first-year star is making a serious case for MVP consideration. 

Clark made history twice in the Indiana Fever's 93-86 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. She posted her second triple-double of the 2024 campaign, ending the night with 24 points (8-of-17), 10 assists and 10 rebounds while becoming the first rookie to surpass 100 three-pointers in a season. 

Clark recorded at least 20 points, five assists and five rebounds in a game for the 12th time. According to StatMamba, that's tied for the most such games in league history with Breanna Stewart, who set the record in 2023 and won MVP honors that year.   

Additionally, Clark's triple-double was also historic. She's now only the fifth to do so multiple times in a season, joining Alyssa Thomas (2024, 2023, 2022), Courtney Williams (2023), Sabrina Ionescu (2022) and Candace Parker (2022).

Meanwhile, Clark is only the seventh player to make 100 three-pointers in a season, rookie or not. She's unlikely to challenge the record set by Ionescu (128, 2023) but could finish with 120 threes if she keeps pace with her average (3.0 per game), which would be the third-best all-time behind Diana Taurasi (121, 2006). 

Lastly, perhaps the most significant selling point for Clark's MVP worthiness is her impact on the Fever. A season ago, Indiana finished with the third-worst record (13-27) in the WNBA, but heading into the final six games of 2024, they're 18-16 and have clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2016.

Clark hasn't convinced everyone she's an MVP candidate yet, but the fact may be undeniable. Following her outing on Wednesday, she not only boasts an ever-growing resume while leading a winning team but is averaging 18.7 points, 8.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game, a stat line no player in WNBA history has duplicated.  

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!