Caitlin Clark Unfortunately Loses Out on WNBA History During Indiana Fever Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Caitlin Clark is making progress in her road to recovery from a lingering groin injury that has kept her out for 16 straight games. The Indiana Fever star has reportedly been able to participate in her team’s shootaround and has progressed to some non-contact drills.

Nevertheless, Clark has not officially returned to practice as of yet, and there is currently no timetable for her return.

Caitlin Clark Loses Spot in WNBA History Books

There’s been a lot going on in the league amid Clark’s extended absence. In fact, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year lost her spot in the history books on Friday courtesy of Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas.

Clark made all sorts of history during her unprecedented rookie campaign last season. One of the records she broke was the most points assisted for a single season at 751. That record was shattered on Friday night.

Thomas turned in another incredible performance to help lead the Mercury to a hard-fought 83-79 win over Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. The six-time All-Star went off for 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists, missing out on extending her all-time record for the most triple-doubles in a season with seven.

Thomas, however, was able to set a new record for most points assisted in a single season with 752.

The game’s greatest playmaker.

No one in WNBA history has created more buckets in a single season than AT. pic.twitter.com/h9gOtfwwnt
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 29, 2025

This speaks volumes about how amazing Thomas has been this season. The six-time All-Star is currently averaging 15.8 points on 54.1% shooting, 9.0 rebounds, a league-best 9.2 assists and 1.7 steals, making her a contender for the Most Valuable Player award this year.

Injuries Have Been a Major Issue for Clark

It is interesting to note that Clark has averaged a career-best 8.8 assists this season, which is just 0.4 dimes shy of Thomas’ current average.

Clark, however, has been limited to 13 games this season due to injury. Thomas, on the other hand, has played 33 games for the Mercury this year.

There’s no guarantee that Clark would have broken her own record for most points assisted this season had she been healthy, but the fact that she’s averaging more assists this year compared to her rookie campaign makes it a distinct possibility.

The Fever still expect Clark to play this year. She won’t be breaking any more season-long records once she comes back, but she’ll definitely be eager to make up for lost time once she does.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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