Caitlin Clark made WNBA history as the Indiana Fever defeated the Seattle Storm

For Seattle, Awa Pham made a piece of history for himself, becoming the youngest player to hit four three-point shots in a single quarter at age 20.

Dominic Malonga scored 28 points, the second-highest of his career, and 14 rebounds — but it wasn’t enough for Seattle, who set a team record for points scored in a regular season.

Clarke’s record-breaking night came a day after she had a label “Political Football” By NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

The star point-guard has become one of the biggest draws in the WNBA since being drafted by the Fever in 2024, and much attention has been paid to the way opposing teams treat her and the tactics they employ to try to limit her impact during games.

Last month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas got one Previous one-game ban and a $1,000 (£743) fine for appearing to knee Clark in the groin and thrust his fist into his neck during a fight for possession.

A group of 11 Republican lawmakers then sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbart asking the league to take “responsibility” and expressing concern that “the attack against Clark may be racially motivated”.

Political commentators on the right have also weighed in, suggesting that Clark’s treatment is rooted in racism and jealousy.

Speaking as part of a panel at an event in New York on Thursday, Silver said the controversies surrounding Clark have become about larger political and cultural issues in the United States than just basketball.

“That particular incident is not about whether a foul should have been called during the play or whether it was ultimately a glaring non-review,” Silver said.

“I know Caitlin really well. She’s an incredible player and an incredible person.

“And he wants to focus on being the best player he can be. And he’s become a bit of a political football in this country, and I think that’s incredibly unfair to him.”