Caitlin Clark Passes Sabrina Ionescu on WNBA Leaderboard in 91-90 Loss to Atlanta Dream

Caitlin Clark had another great outing on the offensive end, passing Sabrina Ionescu in 25/10 games.

Caitlin Clark Passes Sabrina Ionescu on WNBA Leaderboard in 91-90 Loss to Atlanta Dream

Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark (Image: Firstsportz)

The Indiana Fever fans will feel dispirited after losing the second home game of the season. The Atlanta Dream came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and held a lead for nearly the entire duration. Caitlin Clark had an impressive game on the offensive end, though she got lit up by her opposing guards.

Caitlin Clark tallied 27 points, five rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals on the night. She became the first player to start a WNBA season with back-to-back games of tallying 20 points and 10 assists. She also passed Oregon sensation Sabrina Ionescu in 25-point, 10-assist games through WNBA history. Ionescu has played four full seasons in addition to the Covid-shortened 2020 season, compared to Clark playing her 42nd WNBA game.

While Clark was able to stuff the stat sheet, the game was an immense test for Indiana. The 23-year-old was well defended by Te-Hina Paopao and Alisha Gray. The Dream guards were able to go over Aliyah Boston and others’ screens on most occasions, causing Clark to work extra hard for separation. They also made light work of Clark on the defensive end, using their pace and acceleration against the slower guard.

Nevertheless, Clark remained the most effective scorer of the game. She had quite a few mid-range buckets, relocating to the left side of the floor and stepping back. Clark also made five of her 11 3-point attempts, getting Indiana back in the game in the second and fourth quarters. She also found ways to get her teammates the ball, despite some miscalculated passes on transition plays and turnovers.

Caitlin Clark couldn’t close the game at her pace

The Indiana Fever entered the fourth quarter with a double-digit deficit, much like the second quarter. However, they were able to get quick buckets in the fourth, courtesy of Aliyah Boston. Boston herself had a great game despite being mismatched in every way against the legendary Brittney Griner. Griner, Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones dominated their frontcourt as DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard got thoroughly outplayed.

The two teams drew level at 89-89 with only 1:24 left in the game. The Fever were able to get two crucial stops; however, they were unable to score at the other end. Luckily for the team, they managed an offensive rebound with around 33 seconds left. Aliyah Boston was able to get two free throws off a nicely timed Caitlin Clark feed. However, she only converted one of the two.

Atlanta went down the other end and got two free throws. Rhyne Howard put the Dream back on top by making both of them. Natasha Howard had two chances to win it in the closing seconds. Her first shot near the rim was blocked by Nia Coffey. Natasha Howard chased down the rebound, but her 12-foot jumper clanked off the rim.

This possession would probably have gone much better if the ball was in Clark’s hands. However, the Dream had done an exemplary job of keeping her away from possession, blanketing all passing lanes. Kelsey Mitchell did a great job on offense, making the game-tying bucket at 89-89 and hitting a three late. However, she was in foul trouble due to overzealous defense, and could have contributed more if she was available on the court.

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