Interest in the WNBA has reached a level it’s never seen through its 27 years of existence. This season has been like none other, and the rookie class, led by Indiana Fever guard and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, plays a massive part in that.
Clark has taken the women’s game to another level. In a short period of time, she’s sent shockwaves through the game of basketball, and she is just getting started. Clark’s rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular. Her stats and impact on the game and her team have been vital to the turnaround after a slow start to the season.
While Clark is the star of the league as a rookie, a fellow rookie has climbed up the ranks regarding Rookie of the Year: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. Reese has made a name for herself in the professional league, so much so that many, including ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, believe that she deserves to be named Rookie of the Year.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. ESPN ananlyst Stephen A…. PHOTO BY EMILEE CHINN/GETTY IMAGES
Smith was blunt when discussing why Reese deserves the award over Clark as things stand.
“Reese is the only player in WNBA history with three consecutive 20-rebound games. I’ve talked about Caitlin Clark — I love the sizzle, I love the ball-handling, I love the passing ability, I love the shot-making ability. But let’s give credit where credit is due: Angel Reese is showing she’s no joke either. I think she could win Rookie of the Year.”
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Both Clark and Reese have set records this season. Clark set the WNBA record with 19 assists in a single game, and she’s the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double. As for Reese, she set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles and set another record with three consecutive games recording 20 or more rebounds.
The two have a long history dating back to their college days. Their teams have met each other twice in college, when the stakes were at their highest in the NCAA tournament. Their teams — LSU for Reese, Iowa for Clark — split the two games.
The rivalry doesn’t stop there, and it will only continue to grow as their professional careers continue. The two will face off once again on Friday as Reese’s Chicago Sky faces Clark’s Fever, and this matchup could go a long way toward the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Clark is averaging 18.0 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31 games. Resse is averaging 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30 games.
Chennedy Carter Accuses Caitlin Clark Of Violent Move Before Cheap Shot.
Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Clark continued the well-known physicality Caitlin Clark has been receiving in the WNBA during their game against the Indiana Fever on Jun 1, 2024. But Carter took it one step further.
Clark was leveled to the floor by Carter late in the third quarter. Carter received only a personal foul for the hit during the game. However, the WNBA later upgraded it to a flagrant foul.
The Fever wound up winning the game by one point, but the story of the day was this cheap shot.
On Monday, Carter spoke to the media alongside Angel Reese and accused Clark of a violent move before the dirty foul.
“I think I got hit in the head the play before. It was just like one of those things that was in the heat of the moment. I don’t know Caitlin, I don’t know her from anywhere. But at the end of the day, this is hoops, it’s competitive, this is basketball. And you’re playing against somebody like me. I classify myself as a dog.” (Via WGN News)
The play Carter was referencing was posted online by a fan.
“So if you’re gonna throw a punch, I’m gonna compete with you. I’m gonna play at the level you’re giving,” Carter added.
Sky’s 19-point loss to Fever extends losing streak to five
As the Fever continue to jell, the Sky are crumbling.
Once on similar trajectories with young, rebuilding teams, the Sky and Fever have separated in dramatic fashion.
And on Friday night at Wintrust Arena, there was no comparison to be drawn as the Sky lost 100-81, dropping to 4-12 at home and 11-20 on the season.
As the Fever continue to become a stronger team, the Sky are on the brink of coming undone.
“We came out exactly how we wanted to and just lost it,” guard Rachel Banham said.
The Sky built up a 13-point lead in the first quarter but maintained it for just six seconds. By the time the first-quarter buzzer sounded, the lead was down to three.
From there, the Fever — with the top-ranked offense since the second week of July — flexed their muscle, leading by 25 by midway through the fourth quarter, at which point things began to get chippy. The Sky were called for two flagrant fouls against Fever guard Caitlin Clark, including one by veteran Diamond DeShields in garbage time. As Clark streaked down an open court in transition, DeShields ran with her in stride before lowering her shoulder slightly. Clark tumbled to the floor.
Her ensuing free throws extended the Fever’s lead to 27. DeShields wasn’t ejected but opted to head back to the locker room, raising her hands as fans cheered.
“Us vets have to step up in those moments,” Banham said in response to a question afterward about the heightened emotions. “We have to keep [the team] composed. I think we could have done a better job of that. We all were just kind of losing our minds at the end.”
Clark led all scorers with a career-high 31 points and 12 assists and was 8-for-14 from the field and 5-for-9 from three-point range. It was her third game with at least 25 points and 10 assists — the most in a season in WNBA history, according to ESPN. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell extended her streak of 20-plus-point games to six, finishing with 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
Michaela Onyenwere led the Sky with 20 points, and fellow forward Angel Reese had her 23rd double-double — surpassing Tina Charles’ rookie record — with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Banham added 14 point shooting 4-for-10 from three.
The Sky and Fever’s previous three meetings were decided by a total of 10 points. This 19-point thrashing told a different story. It was the first time the Sky gave up 100 points this season.
“If you’re not motivated after getting your ass whooped, then you have a problem,” Banham said.
The Sky hung their hats on defense in the first half of the season but have won just one game since the Olympic break and now have the third-worst defensive rating in the league.
“Defense is a will and a want to,” coach Teresa Weatherspoon said. “It’s a desire. Defense is the hardest damn thing you’re going to play in this game, and you do so under control without fouling. In that third quarter, we sent them to the line over and over and over.”
The Fever, currently sixth in the standings, could likely bounce whichever team they meet in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Sky’s season-worst five-game losing streak is threatening to erase them from the postseason altogether. They’re a game ahead of the Dream in the eighth and final spot with a two-game road trip coming up against the Lynx and Aces.
