Caitlin Clark makes WNBA history with record-breaking game after weeks of controversy

WNBA star Caitlin Clark publicly responds after being punched in the throat during a game by Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas. Clark expresses frustration that the incident overshadows the game. Thomas then criticizes Clark for remaining silent about the incident, lamenting that 'our lives are being threatened.'

Caitlin Clark struck back.

The WNBA phenom became the first player in league history with at least 40 points and 10 assists, and just the 10th player in WNBA history with a 45-point game, on Friday night against the Seattle Storm.

She did it all against the backdrop of an ongoing national controversy over her treatment from the league and other players, which has reached a fever pitch in recent days.

CAITLIN CLARK HELPS WNBA HIT HISTORIC LATE-NIGHT CABLE NUMBER DESPITE LIMITED RETURN IN LA

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark grabs the ball during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever defeated the Seattle Storm, 110-107. (Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Through it all, Clark went out on Friday and had her best game as a pro with 45 points, 10 assists, and four steals. Her final steal of the game all but clinched the victory as she snuck the ball out of the hands of Seattle's Flau'Jae Johnson with less than a minute left.

It was also the highest scoring game by a WNBA point guard or any Indiana Fever player ever.

Caitlin Clark drives to the basket during a game against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 17, 2026. (Pepper Robinson/NBAE via Getty Images)

In an on-court interview with ION right after the game concluded, Clark said she "doesn't really care" about the history she made, and said the way her team