Caitlin Clark came close to breaking the all-time WNBA All-Star game assist record, a feat she humorously vowed to achieve after discovering that the record was held by her close friend, Sue Bird.

On Saturday, Clark played a pivotal role in Team WNBA’s 117-109 victory over Team USA in the league’s 20th All-Star Game. She finished with 10 assists, one rebound, and four points, shooting 2-of-9 from the field. While Clark set a new record for the most assists by a rookie in an All-Star game, she had her eyes on another milestone as the game progressed.

During the third quarter, ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco interviewed Clark on the bench. At that moment, she had nine assists, just two shy of the All-Star record of 11. Upon learning that the record holder was Sue Bird, Clark jokingly pledged to surpass Bird’s mark.

“Oh, it’s Sue’s? Then I’m breaking it,” Clark said with a grin. “She’s been talking trash all game. If it’s anybody else, they can keep it. Not Sue Bird.”

Despite her best efforts, Clark fell short of the three additional assists needed to break Bird’s record. Reflecting on the game afterward, Clark shared her thoughts on her strong performance and the friendly competition with Bird.

“That’s Sue’s record; I can’t take that from her, she’s my homie,” Clark said. “But we were just playing hard. There were a couple of times, especially with [Aliyah Boston], you can see our connection. Even though we’re not with the whole Fever team, we still have that bond.

“It was just fun. I was trying to push the pace, get the ball out, even on their made baskets, and go. That’s what I do – I try to push the pace for everyone, and at times that led to really good offense for us. But, yeah, that’s all Sue, so I’ll let her have that.”

In the past week, Clark has shattered two records with her exceptional court vision and precise passing. In a recent game against the Dallas Wings, she set the WNBA record for most assists in a game with 19, surpassing the previous record of 18 held by Chicago Sky’s Courtney Vandersloot.

Following her historic performance, Clark focused on her teammates’ contributions rather than her own achievement. “I just try to set my teammates up for success,” she said. “Sometimes I can almost overpass, especially with AB. My eyes are always on our post players.”

Clark’s unselfish play and ability to elevate those around her continue to define her remarkable rookie season, drawing admiration from fans and peers alike.