Basketball fans react to Caitlin Clark setting another WNBA record against the Seattle Storm on Thursday. [photo: Imagn]

Caitlin Clark remains squarely in the spotlight in the WNBA. Some critics predicted that her popularity would wane if she struggled against veteran pro stars. Clark is competing through some up-and-down moments and even continues to break records.

In the third quarter on Thursday against the Seattle Storm, the Indiana Fever rookie rewrote the history books. She became the fastest player in league history to compile 300+ points, 100+ rebounds and 100+ assists.

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Basketball fans on X/Twitter, quickly reacted to the milestone:

“She’s her.”

One fan dragged former NBA star Ben Simmons into the conversation:

“Better than Ben Simmons dead serious.”

Another fan predicted what the future could hold:

“She’s gonna set all the records.”

A third fan also put an LA Lakers rookie into the mix:

“Better than Bronny.”

A few nights ago against the Chicago Sky, Caitlin Clark had a 17-point, 13-assist, six-rebound and four-steal game. She made 5-of-11 shots, including 5-of-9 attempts from deep. The former Iowa star became the first rookie to have at least 15 points with at least 10 assists while sinking at least five 3-pointers. Clark’s 13 dimes in the showdown now sit atop the Fever franchise for most assists in a single game.

After three quarters against Seattle on Thursday, Clark had already filled up the stat sheet. She had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes. If not for her, the Storm’s 70-61 advantage leading into the fourth quarter would have been more substantial.

Caitlin Clark continues to reset viewership records

Caitlin Clark was the headliner when the WNBA had its most-watched draft in history when 2.45 million fans tuned in to ESPN to see where Clark and her other draft prospects would land.

Clark continues to be the biggest crowd-puller in women’s basketball. When the Fever faced the Sky on the road a few nights ago, 2.302 million viewers caught the action. It was the most viewed WNBA game over the last 23 years, topping the 2.25 million that watched the previous Fever-Sky game.

The circus that follows Caitlin Clark is evident in arenas, too. In 2023, Indiana Fever home games were attended by an average of 4,066.80 fans, according to Across the Timeline. This year, that figure has spiked to 16,757, the best in the WNBA by a wide margin. The second-ranked New York Liberty gets 12,251.89 fans on average per home game in 2024.

Clark’s popularity isn’t limited to games on the Fever’s home court. She is as highly sought away from Indiana. As per Across the Timeline, last year, the Fever averaged 7,332.15 fans in away games. In 2024, that figure jumped to 15,174.91, again a good distance away from the second-placed team. Angel Reese’s Sky is second with 10,471.29 on average away games from Chicago in 2024.

Clark and Co. (7-12) will be on the road again to face the Phoenix Mercury (8-8) at Footprint Center on Sunday.