Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to rewrite WNBA history with another standout performance, but her team suffered its first loss of the season in a nail-biter against a revamped Atlanta Dream.
In their second game Tuesday night, the Fever fell 91-90 to a Dream squad energized by offseason acquisitions Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, who dominated inside to help Atlanta pull off the win at home.
Clark, the dynamic second-year guard, poured in 27 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Despite the defeat, Clark tied the all-time WNBA record for most 20-point, 10-assist games—matching Courtney Vandersloot’s mark of 10.
Remarkably, Clark achieved this milestone in just 42 games, compared to Vandersloot’s 430.
The Fever battled back from a nine-point deficit in the final minutes but could not convert on the last possession, as a shot from Natasha Howard was blocked and another attempt missed.
Indiana’s supporting cast struggled offensively, combining for just 15 points on poor shooting and multiple turnovers, while Clark and veteran Kelsey Mitchell carried the offensive load.
Atlanta’s new-look Dream showcased their offseason improvements.
Griner scored 21 points and hauled in eight rebounds before fouling out late, while Jones added a double-double with 19 points and 13 boards. Rhyne Howard chipped in 20 points to complement the frontcourt duo, helping the Dream shake off a rocky season opener.
The Fever were without wing Sophie Cunningham due to injury, while Atlanta missed starting point guard Jordin Canada. Still, the Dream’s inside presence proved decisive, outworking Indiana in the paint and sealing the tight victory.
Clark’s record-setting performances and the Fever’s strong start this season highlight a team on the rise, but Atlanta’s win is a reminder that competition in the league remains fierce.
