Caitlin Clark Shatters Records While Griner’s Dream Stave Off Fever’s Rally
In a high-octane WNBA showdown, Caitlin Clark delivered another historic performance, breaking multiple records as her Indiana Fever clashed with Brittney Griner’s Atlanta Dream. Despite Clark’s heroics, Griner and the Dream held off a late Fever rally to secure a nail-biting victory. The game, played on June 22 at Atlanta’s Gateway Center Arena, showcased the league’s rising talent and veteran prowess in front of a sold-out crowd.
Clark’s Record-Breaking Night
Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s rookie phenom, etched her name deeper into the WNBA record books with a 33-point, 12-assist, and 9-rebound near-triple-double. She became the first rookie in league history to record back-to-back 30-point games and the fastest player to reach 150 career points. Her five three-pointers also tied Diana Taurasi’s rookie record for most threes in a single month.
“Caitlin’s court vision and shooting range are transcendent,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “She’s not just scoring—she’s elevating everyone around her while rewriting what we expect from first-year players.”
Key stats from Clark’s historic stretch:
- Averaging 28.4 points per game in June—highest in the WNBA
- Leads all rookies in assists (7.2 per game) and steals (1.8 per game)
- First player with 25+ points and 10+ assists in consecutive games since 2018
Griner Anchors Dream’s Defensive Stand
While Clark dazzled, Brittney Griner reminded the league why she’s a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The 6’9″ center posted 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, including a game-saving rejection on Clark’s potential game-tying drive with 8 seconds left. Atlanta’s defense held Indiana to 38% shooting in the fourth quarter to preserve their 88-85 win.
“BG [Griner] changes the geometry of the game,” Dream coach Tanisha Wright noted. “When she’s protecting the rim like that, it lets our guards play more aggressively on the perimeter.”
The Dream improved to 7-5 with the victory, while the Fever fell to 4-10 despite Clark’s heroics. Atlanta’s balanced attack featured four players in double figures, including Rhyne Howard’s 18-point contribution.
The Fever’s Late Rally Falls Short
Indiana trailed by 14 early in the fourth before Clark engineered a 15-2 run, capped by a 28-foot three-pointer that brought the Fever within one. But critical turnovers in the final two minutes—including an offensive foul on Aliyah Boston—sealed their fate.
“We showed fight, but championship teams execute down the stretch,” Fever coach Christie Sides acknowledged. “Caitlin gave us a chance, but we need more consistency from our role players.”
Notable trends from the matchup:
- Indiana’s bench was outscored 32-12—a recurring issue this season
- Atlanta won the paint battle 42-28, leveraging Griner’s size advantage
- Clark accounted for 62% of Indiana’s points (via scoring or assists)
What This Means for Both Teams
For Atlanta, the victory reinforces their status as Eastern Conference contenders. With Griner playing at an All-Star level (19.1 PPG, 2.8 BPG) and Howard finding her rhythm after early-season injuries, the Dream now sit just 1.5 games behind first-place New York.
Indiana’s struggles highlight their reliance on Clark, who has scored or assisted on 47% of the Fever’s points this season. While her individual brilliance draws comparisons to young Diana Taurasi, the team’s 4-10 record underscores the need for roster development.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
As the WNBA approaches its midseason, both teams face critical tests:
- Dream: A five-game homestand against top-tier opponents (Sun, Aces, Liberty) will test their contender credentials
- Fever: Must improve defensive efficiency (currently last in points allowed per game) to capitalize on Clark’s offensive fireworks
“The Dream are building something special around Griner’s leadership,” said The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings. “But Clark’s performances are must-watch theater—she’s bringing new fans to the league every night.”
WNBA executives confirm Clark’s games have driven a 137% increase in ticket sales compared to 2023, proving her immediate cultural impact. Meanwhile, Griner’s comeback season continues inspiring audiences after her wrongful detention in Russia.
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