Caitlin Clark, the WNBA phenom, made history on Friday night with a record-breaking game against the Seattle Storm. Clark 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.

Overcoming Controversy

Clark’s historic performance came amidst an ongoing national controversy over her treatment by the league and other players. The controversy began when Clark was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas during a game in June, sparking weeks-long discourse in the media and online.

Clark later publicly stated that the WNBA needs to do better at protecting its players, admitting that Thomas’ punch was a clear flagrant foul and criticizing the overall state of the league’s officiating. The controversy spilled into politics when a group of 11 Republican lawmakers wrote a letter to WNBA leadership demanding accountability and better protection for Clark against repeated physical attacks.

Despite the controversy, Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, won the game 110-107. Clark had 45 points, 10 assists, and four steals, and her final steal of the game all but clinched the victory.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.