Caitlin Clark Held Without a 3-Pointer for First Time in WNBA Career as Fever Top Dream

INDIANAPOLIS — In a game full of unexpected moments, one of the most shocking came from Caitlin Clark — not for what she did, but for what she didn’t do.

The Indiana Fever rookie phenom was held without a single three-pointer for the first time in her WNBA career Thursday night, snapping a 43-game streak in the regular season that had become a signature part of her game. Despite her cold shooting from deep, Clark still contributed significantly as the Fever edged out an 81-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Clark finished with 11 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in a performance that was far from her flashiest — but showcased her growth as a professional, adjusting to adversity and still helping her team secure the win.

A Historic Cold Night From Long Range

Clark, known across the country for her logo-range bombs and offensive firepower, went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. It marked the first time in her WNBA regular-season career that she failed to connect on a three-pointer — a streak that dates back to her much-anticipated debut in May 2024.

To understand how rare this is, consider her collegiate career at Iowa. Across 139 games in college, Clark failed to hit a 3-pointer only once — on January 13, 2022, when she went 0-of-6 against Purdue. Thursday’s game against the Dream was only the second time in her entire college and professional career that she went without a made shot from deep.

Defensive Pressure and Foul Trouble

The Dream’s defensive strategy was clear from the opening tip — deny Clark space, disrupt her rhythm, and make every touch a battle. Atlanta’s guards face-guarded her relentlessly, limiting her off-ball movement and forcing the Fever to find other scoring options.

Clark also dealt with early foul trouble, picking up two quick personals in the first half and a third midway through the third quarter, which affected her aggressiveness and playing time.

“She couldn’t find her spots,” Fever head coach Stephanie White said after the game. “But what I love about Caitlin is that even when her shot isn’t falling, she still finds ways to impact the game — passing, spacing, drawing defenders, playing through frustration.”

Clark echoed that sentiment in her post-game remarks: “It’s frustrating when your shots don’t drop, but that’s basketball. I’m not going to stop shooting. I’m proud of how we fought tonight.”

Tension Boils: Clark vs. Rhyne Howard

The matchup between Clark and Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard also drew headlines — and heat.

Midway through the third quarter, after a series of physical exchanges and off-ball jostling, Clark and Howard got into a brief scuffle that required the officials to intervene. The two stars exchanged words, and video clips of the moment quickly went viral on social media.

After the game, Howard downplayed the incident but didn’t shy away from the competitive nature of the battle: “I’m not scared of her. This is the pros — we’re all here to compete. Nothing personal, just basketball.”

Clark didn’t elaborate on the moment but acknowledged the intensity of the matchup. “We’re both passionate players. Emotions run high. All that matters is we got the win.”

Balanced Team Effort Lifts Fever

With Clark’s shot not falling, the Fever turned to other offensive contributors to carry the load.

Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 19 points, while NaLyssa Smith added 16 points and 9 rebounds in one of her most efficient games of the season. Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, chipped in 12 points and anchored the defense during key stretches.

“I love how we’re learning to win as a team,” Mitchell said. “Everyone has a role. Tonight we had each other’s backs.”

The Fever shot 46.5% from the field and held Atlanta to just 39.8%, a testament to their improving defense and ability to close out games — something they struggled with earlier in the season.

A Mental Test for a Rising Star

Clark’s 0-for-5 night from deep will no doubt grab headlines, but it’s the mental side of her game that impressed teammates and coaches alike.

“She’s already learned how to deal with pressure that most veterans don’t face,” Coach White said. “Every arena she walks into is sold out. Every defender is keyed in on her. And still, she shows up, competes, and finds a way.”

That resilience will be key for Clark as she continues her WNBA rookie journey — one that has been under the brightest of spotlights since the moment she stepped onto the court.

Clark is currently averaging 17.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, making her one of the league’s top rookies despite constant defensive pressure and physical play.

Looking Ahead

With the win, the Fever improved to 5-6 on the season, showing signs of life after a rocky start. They’ll next face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in what’s expected to be a high-stakes, nationally televised matchup.

Clark’s ability to bounce back will be under close watch — as will her first shot attempt from three in that game. But for now, the Fever are celebrating a gritty team win, and Clark is taking it all in stride.

“You don’t learn anything from just making shots every night,” Clark said. “You grow when things are hard. Tonight was hard, and I’m better for it.”

Final Thoughts

While fans have come to expect fireworks from Caitlin Clark every night, Thursday’s game was a reminder that even the best shooters have off nights. But it also underscored what makes Clark so special — her ability to stay locked in, elevate teammates, and keep competing, even when her signature shot isn’t falling.

The streak is over. The headlines will buzz. But for Clark and the Fever, the focus is still on winning — one tough game at a time.