Caitlin Clark records 45 points and 10 assists as Fever defeat Storm

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark posted 45 points, 10 assists and four steals in a 110-107 victory over the Seattle Storm on Friday, becoming the first player in league history to record at least 40 points and 10 assists in a single game. The performance also marked only the tenth 45-point game in WNBA history and set a scoring record for any Fever player or point guard.

Clark, who was playing under a minutes restriction while recovering from a back injury, said she refused to leave the game in the fourth quarter because she felt well enough to help her team win. > "I told Steph at halftime I felt really good and I didn’t want to lose this game. There’s no way I was ever coming out of the game in the fourth quarter," she told reporters.

After the game, Clark downplayed the historic aspect of the achievement and criticized her team's defensive play. > "I don’t really care about the history I made, and the way we played defense was embarrassing," she said.

The game took place amid ongoing discussions about player safety in the league. Earlier in the season, Clark was involved in an on-court incident in which Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was assessed a flagrant foul for striking her in the throat. Clark later called for stronger protective measures and highlighted concerns about officiating.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has faced questions from lawmakers and media regarding the league’s response to the incident. The league has not released further comment on the matter.