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Kelsey Plum Congratulates Caitlin Clark After Record-Breaking Performance

kelsey plum
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) makes a 3-point basket setting the record for all-time leading scoring during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Michigan, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Kelsey Plum held the women’s NCAA scoring record for nearly seven years, but then Caitlin Clark entered the picture. 

Clark was just eight points shy of Plum’s record entering Thursday night’s game against Michigan. For a player who’s averaging more than 30 points per game this season, it was only a matter of time.

And when it came to time, she wasted none of it.

Her first bucket was a layup just 15 seconds into the game. She nailed a three-pointer roughly 20 seconds later. And then, at the 2:12 mark, she did it — in a way only she knows how.

A logo three from about 35 feet out.

For reference, that’s roughly 12 feet beyond the NBA’s three-point line.

“You all knew I was going to shoot a logo 3 for the record,” Clark said after the game. “I don’t know if you can really script it any better. Just to do it in this fashion, I’m very grateful. Very thankful to be surrounded by so many people that have been my foundation.”

Iowa called a timeout after the three, giving Clark a moment to celebrate with her team — but then it was back to the game.

And what a game she had.

Clark scored 23 points in that first quarter and ended the game with 49 — a new career-high and new Iowa single-game scoring record. She also had five rebounds, 13 assists, and one steal.

Her previous career-high came on Feb. 6, 2022 against, you guessed it, the Michigan Wolverines. She finished that game with 46 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.

She now has 3,569 career points with four games left in the regular season. It took her 126 games to break the record — compared to 139 games for Plum.

Kelsey Plum Gives Credit Where Credit is Due

On Feb. 11, after the Hawkeyes’ devastating loss to Nebraska, Plum took to X and congratulated Clark on surpassing the all-time record.

“Congratulations on the record, and really your entire season! I appreciate what you do for the game, much respect and love! See you at the next level, hopefully sooner than later,” she wrote on X.

Clark scored 31 points in that game, but was still eight points shy of the record — but Plum didn’t know. She quickly corrected herself — writing ‘My bad next game’ a few minutes later.

On Thursday, Plum gave Clark a proper congratulations while sitting courtside at the NBA Celebrity All-Star game.

“She’s incredible. I mean, especially, too, the exact shot that she broke it. I think that pretty much sums it up, right? Just pulling up from basically half court,” Plum said.

“But I love it. It’s so good for the game. It’s really cool to just see somebody not be afraid of the moment. Just excited for her.”

What’s Next for Caitlin Clark?

Caitlin Clark broke several records on Thursday, but she’s not done yet.

With four games left, she needs just 99 points to break the all-time NCAA scoring record (men and women) — a record that Pete Maravich (3,667 points) has held for nearly 54 years.

Clark and the Hawkeyes play the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday (Feb. 22). At the rate she’s scoring, she’ll likely break the record on Feb. 24 vs. Minnesota or March 3 vs. Ohio State.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum — who is now the second all-time leading scorer in women’s NCAA basketball — has a shot at a three-peat this season with the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

The 2024 WNBA season tips off on May 14.

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