Breaking: WNBA reveals final Caitlin Clark decision over fever for breaking WNBA Records
Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark, known for her exceptional shooting beyond the arc in the WNBA, had been highly anticipated by fans to display her long-range prowess in the 2024 WNBA Three-Point Contest. Despite this, Caitlin Clark has opted out of participating in the contest during the WNBA All-Star Weekend.
Just announced: Caitlin Clark will NOT be participating in the 3-Point Contest. For the Fever, Erica Wheeler will be participating in the Skills Challenge. pic.twitter.com/EUSb9HmVLm
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) July 18, 2024
Many fans expected Clark to be a sure participant in this year’s event. However, when the WNBA announced its lineup for the Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge on Wednesday night, her name was conspicuously missing. New York Liberty’s sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu and Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum were also unexpectedly absent from the list.
Caitlin Clark not on the list of 3-point participants
The WNBA revealed the lineup for the Three-Point Contest on Wednesday, featuring Stefanie Dolson from the Washington Mystics shooting at an impressive 48.5%, Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream at 36%, Jonquel Jones from the New York Liberty with a 39.6% accuracy, Marina Mabrey representing the Connecticut Sun with 34.8%, and Kayla McBride from the Minnesota Lynx shooting at 42.7%.
It appears Caitlin Clark, along with Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum, might have opted out of the competition. Whether this decision was made by the WNBA or by Clark herself isn’t entirely clear, but it’s disappointing for WNBA fans looking forward to seeing her skills showcased. Clark’s absence from both the Three-Point Contest lineup and the Team USA Olympic team selection raises questions, but if she chose to rest ahead of Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game, it could be understandable.
This year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend marks the debut of a 3×3 competition alongside the traditional events like the 3-point contest and skills competition. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. MST on Friday and will be broadcasted live on ESPN from the Footprint Center.
Caitlin Clark constantly breaking WNBA Records
Caitlin Clark recently made headlines in the WNBA by breaking the single-game rookie assist record with an impressive 19 assists, although the Indiana Fever fell to the Dallas Wings 101-93. Alongside her remarkable playmaking, she also scored 24 points and secured 6 rebounds, reinforcing her status as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Her 19 assists surpassed Courtney Vandersloot’s previous record of 18, which had stood since 2020. Clark also set a new franchise single-season assist record for the Fever with 202 assists in just 26 games. Looking ahead, the WNBA single-season record of 316 assists, held by Alyssa Thomas, is within reach.
Earlier in the season, Clark achieved the first triple-double by a rookie in Fever history during a victory over the New York Liberty on July 6. She also set a record as the fastest player to reach 400 points and 200 assists, accomplishing this milestone in only 26 games, surpassing Sue Bird’s previous mark of 33 games.
Despite the Fever’s current 11-15 record, both the team and Clark have exceeded expectations this season. They now have an opportunity to rest and prepare during the All-Star and Olympic break before returning to action on August 16 against the Seattle Storm.
While Clark opted out of the 3-point contest, she remains a key part of Team WNBA and will compete in the All-Star Game against Team USA before the league pauses for the 2024 Olympics.