Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking 140-game streak of making at least one three-pointer came to an end on Thursday night as the Indiana Fever secured an 81–76 victory over the Atlanta Dream. The WNBA rookie and former Iowa standout went 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, marking the first time since January 13, 2022, during her sophomore year in college against Purdue, that she failed to connect from long range. Despite the uncharacteristic cold shooting night, Clark still played a crucial role in the team’s success, finishing with 11 points and six assists. Her ability to contribute in other facets of the game highlighted her versatility and maturity as a professional, reinforcing her value to a Fever squad still searching for its identity early in the 2025 WNBA season. Natasha Howard stepped up offensively, leading Indiana with 26 points and helping the team earn a much-needed win after a series of early-season losses.
Clark’s streak, which spanned both collegiate and professional play, had become a symbol of her consistency and elite shooting prowess. She built a reputation as one of the most dynamic scorers in women’s basketball history, often drawing comparisons to NBA sharpshooters like Stephen Curry due to her deep shooting range and fearless shot selection. Ending the streak does little to diminish her legacy but rather places a spotlight on the remarkable nature of such a run in modern basketball, where defensive schemes are constantly evolving to limit perimeter shooting. Even as her shots failed to fall against Atlanta, Clark continued to draw double teams and open up opportunities for her teammates, demonstrating her growing understanding of the professional game.
The matchup also featured a heated moment between Clark and Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard late in the first quarter. Following a physical foul, the two exchanged words and engaged in a brief confrontation before being separated by teammates. Clark, known for her competitive fire, reportedly responded to Howard’s aggression by saying, “I’m not scared of you,” in a moment that quickly circulated across social media and was widely discussed by analysts and fans alike. The exchange underscored the intensity of competition in the WNBA and highlighted Clark’s willingness to stand her ground, even against more experienced players. Such confrontations, while tense, contribute to the rising visibility of the league and the passionate rivalries forming among its newest generation of stars.
Off the court, Clark demonstrated the kind of grace that has endeared her to fans nationwide. After the final whistle, she removed her game-worn sneakers and gave them to a young girl in the crowd, creating a moment of connection that quickly went viral online. The gesture not only reflected her gratitude for fan support but also her understanding of the platform she now occupies as a professional athlete. This combination of fire and humility has made Clark one of the most compelling figures in American sports today.
Looking ahead, Clark and the Fever are scheduled to face the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she will look to bounce back from her first three-point shutout in over three years. The end of a historic streak may mark the conclusion of one chapter, but for Clark, it is merely the beginning of another. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, propelled in part by her influence and fan appeal, every game adds another layer to the story of a player who is redefining what it means to be a superstar in women’s basketball. Whether or not she starts a new streak against the Liberty, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s presence continues to reshape the narrative of the WNBA.
