Caitlin Clark has made WNBA history by becoming the single-season leader in assists, and in doing so, she’s proven a few doubters wrong—most notably, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes. The three-time MVP and Hall of Famer had previously mocked the idea that Clark, as a rookie, could reach such heights, but after Friday night’s performance, it seems Swoopes’ skepticism has aged poorly.
Clark’s record-breaking moment came during the Indiana Fever’s narrow four-point loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The rookie sensation recorded 18 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, the last of which set her apart in the WNBA history books. Clark’s nine assists brought her season total to 321, surpassing the previous record of 316 held by Alyssa Thomas, who set the mark just last year.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Clark still has two games left in her rookie season, meaning she has the chance to further extend her record.
It’s a stunning accomplishment for a player many expected would need time to adjust to the professional game, but Clark has silenced her critics in emphatic fashion.
Swoopes, in particular, had publicly dismissed the idea that Clark would reach such a milestone. Before the 2024 WNBA Draft, Swoopes made her stance clear, casting doubt on Clark’s ability to thrive as a playmaker at the pro level. Her criticisms seemed rooted in skepticism toward the overwhelming hype surrounding Clark, especially among her passionate fan base. Swoopes had insisted her issue wasn’t with Clark personally but with the way her fans inflated her potential. Regardless of her intent, Swoopes’ comments took on a life of their own, especially in light of Clark’s historic season.
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Alyssa Thomas, the previous record holder, also didn’t seem to think her assist record was in danger of falling to the rookie guard. Back in April, during the NCAA National Championship game where Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes fell to South Carolina, WNBA player DiJonai Carrington made a bold prediction on social media.
She posted that Clark could potentially lead the WNBA in assists during her rookie year. Thomas responded with a playful warning, saying, “Don’t play with me, Nai,” suggesting she wasn’t ready to hand over the assist crown just yet.
Swoopes also chimed in at the time, laughing at the idea that Clark could surpass established stars like Thomas or anyone else in the WNBA in terms of assists. Her skepticism appeared well-founded at the time, considering how rare it is for rookies to dominate the league in such a critical category. But Clark’s court vision, passing accuracy, and ability to elevate her teammates have proven that she belongs among the WNBA’s elite—right out of the gate.
Fast forward to the present, and it’s clear that Swoopes, Thomas, and other doubters underestimated the rookie’s potential. Clark hasn’t just led the league in assists; she’s shattered the record, doing so with an ease that belies her rookie status.
Her ability to distribute the ball, create plays, and elevate her teammates has set her apart, even in a league filled with some of the world’s best players.
Looking back, Sheryl Swoopes’ public dismissal of Clark’s abilities now stands in stark contrast to reality. Clark’s dominance as a passer has not only proven her doubters wrong but also cemented her place in WNBA history—before her rookie season has even finished.
As the season winds down, there’s little doubt who’s having the last laugh. Caitlin Clark has set a new standard for what a rookie can accomplish, and her future in the league looks even brighter than anticipated.
Whether it’s her scoring, passing, or leadership, Clark is proving she can do it all—and she’s just getting started.
