In the annals of WNBA history, few players have made as immediate and profound an impact as Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever’s sensational guard has redefined what it means to be a rookie, and now, in only her second season, she has etched her name alongside one of the league’s all-time greats, Courtney Vandersloot. On May 21, 2025, Clark tied Vandersloot’s record for the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history with 10, achieving this remarkable feat in just 42 career games compared to Vandersloot’s 430. This milestone is not just a statistic—it’s a testament to Clark’s extraordinary talent, relentless work ethic, and her ability to dominate the game in ways that transcend traditional expectations.
Clark’s journey to this record began at Iowa, where she shattered NCAA scoring records and became a household name, drawing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. Her transition to the WNBA was seamless yet seismic. Drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, Clark wasted no time showcasing her elite playmaking and scoring prowess. Her ability to push the pace, thread pinpoint passes, and sink long-range shots has made her a nightmare for defenders and a delight for fans. In her rookie season alone, she set the single-season assist record and notched five 25-point, 10-assist games, tying the career mark for such performances in just 40 games. By her 42nd game, she had not only tied Vandersloot’s 20-point, 10-assist record but also became the first player in WNBA history to open a season with such a stat line, further cementing her place in the record books.
Courtney Vandersloot, a five-time All-Star and one of the WNBA’s premier point guards, is no stranger to excellence. Known for her masterful court vision and ability to “thread passes into the smallest needle eyes,” Vandersloot has been a cornerstone of the Chicago Sky, leading them to their first championship in 2021. Her 10 games with 20 points and 10 assists came over a 14-year career, spanning 430 games. For Clark to match this in a fraction of the time—42 games to be exact—is nothing short of extraordinary. Posts on X have likened Clark’s stats to Wayne Gretzky’s dominance in hockey, with one user noting, “Caitlin Clark’s career stats look Gretzky-like,” highlighting the jaw-dropping nature of her achievement.
This milestone is not just about numbers; it’s about the context. Vandersloot, now 36, is a veteran who has faced every defensive scheme imaginable, earning her stripes through years of consistency and leadership. Clark, at just 23, is doing this in an era where the WNBA is more competitive than ever, with defenses tailored to stop her every move. Her ability to combine scoring and playmaking at such a high level is rare. As one report noted, “Clark is so special that she had five 25-10 games in her rookie season alone,” a mark that took Vandersloot her entire career to reach.
The Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17, 2025, provided a glimpse of Clark’s brilliance, even amidst controversy. Clark recorded her third career triple-double, leading Indiana to a 93-58 rout, though the game was marred by a flagrant foul on Sky forward Angel Reese, which sparked debate. Vandersloot, who played in that game, contributed a layup in a brief Sky rally, but Clark’s dominance was undeniable. The rivalry between Clark and Reese, carried over from their college days, has only amplified the spotlight on Clark’s performances, drawing record TV ratings and sellout crowds.
Clark’s impact extends beyond the court. Her arrival has elevated the WNBA’s visibility, with games against the Sky moved to the United Center to accommodate over 20,000 fans—a franchise first. Vandersloot herself has praised Clark, saying, “Her ability to push pace, her ability to pass combined with her ability to shoot… she’s going to be causing havoc in this league for a long time.” This mutual respect underscores the significance of Clark tying a record held by a player of Vandersloot’s caliber.
What makes Clark’s achievement even more remarkable is her efficiency. In her 42 games, she’s not just accumulating stats but doing so with a flair that captivates audiences. Her 20-point, 10-assist games are not empty numbers—they’re game-changing performances that lead to wins. As one source put it, “Clark holds this remarkable scoring-passing combo record,” a testament to her ability to balance individual brilliance with team success.
As Clark continues her ascent, the question isn’t whether she’ll break more records but how many she’ll shatter before her career is done. With Vandersloot’s mark already matched, Clark is poised to redefine WNBA greatness. Her 42-game sprint to legendary status is just the beginning, and the basketball world is watching in awe.
