Historic Double-Double Propels Indiana Fever Past Seattle Storm
The Indiana Fever guard becomes the first player in WNBA history to record a 40-point, 10-assist game, while also breaking the franchise scoring record and accelerating her three-point milestone.
Caitlin Clark delivered a historic performance on Friday night, scoring a career-high 45 points and recording 10 assists to lead the Indiana Fever to a 110-107 victory over the Seattle Storm. The achievement marks the first 40-point, 10-assist double-double in WNBA history, underscoring a pivotal moment for the league’s most prominent young star.
Clark’s efficiency was equally remarkable, as she accumulated her 45 points in just 29 minutes and 28 seconds. This performance made her the first player in WNBA history to score 45 or more points in fewer than 30 minutes. Her output also set a new franchise record for the Indiana Fever, highlighting her immediate impact on the team’s offensive structure since her arrival.
In addition to her scoring and playmaking, Clark recorded four steals and two blocks, demonstrating a two-way influence that proved critical in the closing moments of the contest. With 54.9 seconds remaining, she hustled back to block a fast-break layup attempt by Seattle’s Flau'jae Johnson, pushing the ball out of bounds to preserve Indiana’s lead.
The game’s conclusion was sealed in the final 17 seconds when Clark hit a three-pointer from the left wing to make the score 105-102. She followed this by converting four-of-four free throws to secure the three-point victory. Earlier in the second quarter, Clark had catalysed a 12-4 run, scoring 10 points and capping the spurt with a three-pointer that gave Indiana a 49-32 lead with 7:28 left before halftime.
Kelsey Mitchell provided significant support, adding 30 points for the Fever. This performance made Clark and Mitchell the first teammates in league history, including the postseason and Commissioner's Cup, to record a 40-point game and a 30-point game in the same contest. Mitchell shot 7-of-9 from the field, contributing 17 points in the first quarter alone.
For Seattle, Dominique Malonga scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Flau'jae Johnson and Awa Fam each added 16 points. Despite the loss, the Storm’s struggles continued, dropping their record to 6-21 and marking their fourth consecutive defeat. The Fever improved to 15-10, avoiding a setback against the league’s lowest-ranked side.
Aliyah Boston did not play for Indiana due to a leg injury, a notable absence for the team on the first night of a back-to-back. Indiana had previously defeated Seattle 89-78 at home on May 17, but this latest victory required overcoming significant late-game pressure to maintain their standing in the competitive Western Conference schedule.
