The CC Effect

Caitlin Clark cements herself as the WNBA's No. 2 All-Time Star following Diana Taurasi's footsteps

Clark exploded back into action after missing five games with a left quad injury

Senior Writer

JUNE 16, 2025 12:24 PM EDTJUN 16, 2025, 12:24 PM EDT

Caitlin Clark didn't just return from a quad injury on Saturday; she stormed back like she had been binge-watching her highlight reel. With 32 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, she not only handed the previously undefeated New York Liberty their first loss of the season but also ignited a bold new chapter in WNBA history. Diana Taurasi may still be the queen, but Clark claimed her spot as the heir apparent.

Clark exploded back into action after missing five games with a left quad injury. The Indiana Fever's 102-88 win over the Liberty was a statement that snapped New York's 9-0 start and left a Caitlin-shaped mark all over the stat sheet.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever walks onto the court before the game against the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank Arena on May 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Clark dropped 25 of her 32 points in the first half alone, making 11 of 20 shots and tying her career high with seven threes, many launched from Steph Curry-level distances that probably needed FAA clearance.

Elite Company: Taurasi and Now Clark

Let's not mince words here: what Clark is doing is historic. In only her rookie season, she's being talked about in the same breath as Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.

Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury takes a shot over Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Taurasi is still the GOAT, but Clark's numbers, clutch presence, and sky-high popularity (and ticket sales) are already reshaping the league.

Even LeBron James couldn't help himself, tweeting after the game: "THE CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!"

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever shoots the ball against Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Clark's return gave the Fever (now 5-5) the fuel they needed to punch above their weight against a Liberty squad that had been steamrolling the league. Indiana shot 48.1% from the field and knocked down 17 threes—a performance with "team-on-the-rise" written all over it.

Lexie Hull chipped in 14, and Aliyah Boston did the dirty work with a double-double (10 points, 11 boards), reminding everyone that Indiana isn't just a one-woman show; it's a show Caitlin Clark headlines with a pretty electric cast.

Fire Meets Ice: Clark vs. Ionescu

The duel between Clark and Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu was one for the books. Ionescu scored 34, shooting a sharp 11-of-20, but the Liberty couldn't keep up with the Fever's offensive frenzy. New York hit just 6 of 29 from three.

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty dribbles during the second half against the Chicago Sky at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Liberty won 85-66. — Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty dribbles during the second half against the Chicago Sky at Barclays Center on June 10, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

After a rocky start and trailing by 11 early, Clark lit up the scoreboard in the first quarter, hitting three threes in the final 86 seconds. The Fever clawed back to lead 53-50 at halftime, thanks partly to Clark draining a 20-footer moments after receiving a technical foul.

The League is Getting Physical

WNBA play has always been challenging. But now, with stars like Clark drawing record ratings, the physicality is under a brighter spotlight. Is it more brutal now, or are we just finally paying attention? Either way, Clark's return reminded everyone she could handle the heat.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever arrives before the game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Clark's 32 points were the second-highest of her career, just shy of the 35 she dropped against Dallas last September. But beyond the numbers, her impact redefines what the WNBA looks like on the court, at the ticket booth, and in the national conversation.