Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been turning heads in their historic rookie seasons in the WNBA, sparking discussions around the Rookie of the Year race. Despite both players’ exceptional performances, Clark is currently the frontrunner for the prestigious award, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The two standout rookies faced off for the final time in the regular season when the Indiana Fever played against the Sky in Chicago.
Clark made history once again by breaking the rookie record for made 3-pointers in a recent game, following her previous feat of setting the rookie assists record. She is displaying an outstanding performance, averaging 18 points, a league-leading 8.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. Furthermore, Clark is on track to break the all-time assists record for a single season and has consistently scored over 15 points and provided five assists in 22 games, a record in the WNBA’s history.
Despite Clark’s remarkable play, she leads the league in turnovers, a counterpoint to her high assist numbers. Nevertheless, her exceptional skills and style of play have garnered praise from basketball legends like Sue Bird, who highlights Clark’s unique abilities on the court. On the other hand, Angel Reese, a dominant force in rebounding, holds the league’s highest rebound average ever at 12.9 per game. Reese has also achieved a rookie record with 22 double-doubles this season, tying with Tina Charles.
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo acknowledges the exceptional seasons both Clark and Reese are having, with each player showcasing distinctive strengths on the court. While Reese excels in rebounding, Clark stands out in facilitating assists and scoring. The ongoing Rookie of the Year race amplifies attention on their areas for improvement, such as Reese’s efficiency in scoring near the basket and Clark’s turnover management.
Both rookies have received substantial attention, with their matchups drawing significant viewership for the league. Clark’s consistency in attracting viewers to the games has been notable, with only a few exceptions. Conversely, Reese’s recent game against Las Vegas drew considerable viewership, showcasing the growing interest in the Rookie of the Year contenders.
In a season where Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have stolen the spotlight, other rookies like Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, and Leonie Fiebich have performed exceptionally well but are somewhat overshadowed by the extraordinary seasons of Clark and Reese. The Rookie of the Year award trend favors top draft picks, and Clark aims to continue this tradition, building on her impressive debut season in the WNBA.
