Caitlin Clark didn't have any rust to shake off on Friday.
Because she wasn't selected for the Olympic team, the rookie phenom spent nearly a month without playing competitive basketball, and she didn't miss a beat when the WNBA regular season resumed.
Clark scored 29 points (one shy of his career high) and dished out 10 assists in the Indiana Fever's 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.
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Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts in the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Clark made half of his field goals (8 of 16) and 4 of 11 from the three-point line. Clark also made nine of his 10 shots from the free throw line.
The Fever led by 17 points at halftime, but the Mercury started the first half on a 25-7 run that allowed them to take a one-point lead. Indy then closed the third period on a 12-3 run that allowed them to take an eight-point lead into the fourth period.
Clark scored eight points in the fourth quarter and dished out four assists to help the Fever close the door.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts after a three pointer during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
2024 WNBA ODDS: CAITLIN CLARK BIG FAVORITE OVER ANGEL REESE FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
After starting the season 3-9, the Fever have now won nine of their last 14 to improve to 12-15 on the season.
Clark has also improved greatly, with eight double-doubles in his last 10 games. In that span, he is averaging 19.8 points and 11.7 assists per game.
Her last WNBA appearance was at last month's All-Star Game, where she received the most votes. Clark was the only player to surpass 700,000 votes.
While in Paris, Dawn Staley said that if the USA Basketball selection committee could review its roster choices, Clark most likely would have been included.
Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates during the game on August 16, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Michael Hickey/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The women won another gold medal, while Clark stayed home. But it seems she is almost certain to be in Los Angeles in four years for the 2028 Summer Games.
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