It turned out to be an extraordinary WNBA season for rookie guard Caitlin Clark. The 22-year-old shattered league records, led the league in several categories and guided the Indiana Fever to the postseason for the first time in eight years. When asked about her most memorable moment, Clark disclosed an unexpected anecdote that many fans may not expect.
Speaking to sports journalist Jon Wertheim on "60 Minutes," Clark said that the moment she will remember most from this season was a hard screen from New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones early in the year. The Iowa native ruptured her eardrum but claims that the incident showed her the physicality of playing at the professional level and was an important lesson.
"We were in New York and Jonquel Jones set a good screen on me and I actually popped my eardrum. Ruptured my eardrum just on a screen. It was a really good screen by JJ, she's a tremendous player, but I think that just kind of speaks to the physicality of the league. She kind of got me in the right spot," said Clark.
Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double on July 6 against the New York Liberty. She then repeated the incredible feat on Sept. 4 against the Las Vegas Aces. The young guard also broke the WNBA's single-game assists record with 19 in a game against the Dallas Wings. Yet it was an early season injury that she will remember most from the 2024 season.
"It's a good story. I think it is something I'll always remember coming into this league," said Clark.
Caitlin Clark was outstanding in her rookie year in the WNBA. The first-round pick out of the University of Iowa exceeded the lofty expectations that we placed on her coming in the pros.
Clark led the league in assists and finished seventh in points per game. She also scored the most points by a point guard ever in league history. Overall, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals over 40 games.
Caitlin Clark played alongside Jonquel Jones at the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix
Caitlin Clark was full of praise for New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones during her recent interview with "60 Minutes." The two players actually played together at the WNBA All-Star in Phoenix on July 20 as they were selected for the Team WNBA side that faced Team USA.
Caitlin Clark and Jonquel Jones shared a special moment when the Fever point guard delivered a perfect pass to the Liberty center on a fast break in the second quarter.
Led by 10 assists from Clark and seven rebounds from Jones, Team WNBA went on to defeat Team USA 117-109.