WNBA

Caitlin Clark collects career-high 31 points, trolls fans in Angel Reese showdown

Caitlin Clark styled on her way to a new career-high.

The WNBA Rookie of the Year frontrunner powered her Indiana Fever to a statement road 100-81 win against fellow first-year standout Angel Reese as Clark scored a career-best 31.

Clark also notched 12 assists and had an efficient shooting display to put the Fever at an even 16-16 on the year, further cementing their playoff hopes.

“I think we just understand each other a lot better,” Clark said, according to the Associated Press. “Having the chemistry and having the time to play with one another you just build confidence. I think you’re seeing that. … I’m proud of this group.

“We’re been sharing the ball, we’re taking good shots and that’s helping our transition game and it helps us on defense, too.”

The Iowa native had some fun with the fans at Winturst Arena in Chicago after an and-one opportunity as the Fever mounted their lead.

Clark shot 8-for-14 from the field, 5-for-9 from 3-point land and went a near-perfect 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points for the Fever, shooting 9-for-13 from the field and 3-for-5 from deep.

Caitlin Clark recorded a career-high 31 points against the Chicago Sky on Friday. Getty Images

Reese added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Sky, making some history of her own.

The LSU alum now holds the single-season record for most double-doubles and most rebounds by a rooking, both of which were previously held by Tina Charles.

She’s also now five boards away from tying Sylvia Fowles’ single-season WNBA rebounding record of 404 set in 2018.

The game also marked Clark’s third 30-point game as a pro and her ninth career double-double.

Caitlin Clark is the frontrunner for WNBA Rookie of the Year. AP

The Fever have struggled on the road this season, but after the win, they are up to 7-11 away from Indy and have now been victorious in four of their five games since returning from the Olympic break.

Overall, the Fever are 15-8 since their 1-8 start to the season.

Indiana is now sixth in the WNBA standings.

Angel Reese is also having a record-setting rookie season in the WNBA. Getty Images

Eight of the 12 teams in the league will make the playoffs.

As of now, the Sky are in eighth place with the final playoff spot in hand, but they’re 11-20 and tied in the win column with the Atlanta Dream.