Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Race
WNBA star rookies Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) and Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) in the heat of battle.
The 2024 WNBA season kicked off with high anticipation, thanks to a loaded rookie class, headlined by two standout newcomers: Iowa Hawkeye sharpshooter Caitlin Clark and LSU Tiger powerhouse Angel Reese. Their paths first crossed on the national stage in the 2023 National Championship game, a thrilling matchup that captivated over 9.5 million viewers according to Nielsen. This game set the stage for what fans now eagerly anticipate in the WNBA.
Clark and Reese: Redefining the Game
Since entering the league, Clark and Reese have not just attracted attention—they have revolutionized it. Clark’s audacious shooting from beyond the arc and Reese’s unapologetic persona, combined with her double-double prowess, have reshaped expectations for rookies in the WNBA. Their impact, which extends beyond the box score, captivates both fans and analysts. These two stars leave a permanent mark on the league with every game they play.
Caitlin Clark was the consensus top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, selected by the Indiana Fever, while Angel Reese went seventh overall to the Chicago Sky. Despite their high expectations upon entering the league, their exceptional performance has already exceeded them. Clark has dazzled with her range and scoring ability, and Reese has dominated inside with her rebounding and physical presence, setting up a thrilling Rookie of the Year race.
Rookie of the Year Race: Who Will Win?
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: Who will take home the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award? Both Clark and Reese have proven they belong at the top of the league, delivering electrifying performances game after game. While Clark wows with perimeter shooting and scoring, Reese controls the paint with rebounds, defense, and relentless energy.
This season is poised to showcase exceptional talent, and it’s evident that the rookie who steps up to the challenge has the potential to redefine the WNBA for years to come.
Let’s dive in.
Clark continues setting records.
Caitlin Clark riling up the crowd.
Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via AP
Continuing her trend from college, Caitlin Clark is captivating viewers every time she steps on the court. She currently leads all rookies in points per game (17.8), steals (1.4), free-throw percentage (89.3%), three-point makes (78), and field goals made (155). That doesn’t even account for her league-leading assist numbers as a rookie, averaging an astonishing 8.3 assists per game—the highest average of any WNBA rookie in history.
Clark’s rookie season is already historic. She surpassed Ticha Penicheiro’s 1998 record for most assists (232 and counting) by any rookie in WNBA history. Impressively, there’s still about a month left in the season for her to add to that total. Clark expressed her gratitude after achieving such a milestone:
“To pass somebody like her, I’m just forever thankful. She’s been such a legend in our game. It’s super cool, but hopefully there are a lot more of those,” Clark—who leads the league with 8.3 assists per game—said after the Fever’s 92-75 victory Sunday over the Seattle Storm.
First-Ever Rookie Triple-Double
Clark’s dominance doesn’t stop with assists. She became the first rookie ever to record a triple-double in the WNBA, posting 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds in an 83-78 victory over last year’s WNBA Finals runner-up, the New York Liberty. What makes this feat even more impressive is that she accomplished it against the team with the best record in the league, led by reigning MVP Breanna Stewart and rising star guard Sabrina Ionescu.
Her exceptional basketball IQ and leadership as a floor general draw fans to her artistic theatrics on the court. Whether it’s her precision from beyond the arc or making the perfect read out of the pick-and-roll, Clark consistently finds the open shooter or delivers a perfectly timed pass to the basket. Fans are drawn to her artistic theatrics on the court due to her exceptional basketball IQ and leadership as a floor general.
Her single-game WNBA record of 19 assists against the Dallas Wings showcases her ability to dominate while elevating her teammates. Watching Clark in action truly showcases her wondrous wizardry.
Clark leads playoff push
Clark looks to continue the Indiana Fever’s push toward the playoffs. The team currently sits in 7th place in the WNBA standings, with the top eight seeds advancing. If she maintains her record-breaking performances while helping lead the team to wins, she could very well take home Rookie of the Year honors. Fox Sports currently has her as the overwhelming favorite at -2000.
Despite the massive odds favoring Clark, the competition for Rookie of the Year remains fierce, adding suspense and excitement to the season. However, Clark isn’t the only rookie making headlines. Other newcomers are also breaking records, showcasing the depth of talent in this 2024 WNBA class and making this race one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
Reese is a double-double machine.
Chicago Sky star rookie Angel Reese attacking the basket.
Clark isn’t the only rookie shattering records this season. Chicago Sky star rookie Angel Reese has consistently achieved double-doubles, averaging 13.6 points and a league-leading 12.3 rebounds per game, in addition to 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals. Like Clark, Reese has been rewriting the record books, holding the most consecutive double-doubles by a WNBA rookie all-time with 15.
No performance highlights Reese’s dominance more than Sunday’s 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Despite the defeat, Reese was relentless, scoring 19 points and hauling in 20 rebounds, becoming the fastest WNBA player to achieve such a feat. Her nonstop motor and dominance on the glass make her uniquely impactful, consistently controlling the paint and setting the tone for her team.
Reese vs. the Best
Reese’s performance against Diana Taurasi and the Mercury is a perfect example of her skill and determination. Even against elite competition, she asserts herself, showing why she is not just a standout rookie but also a force to be reckoned with in the league. Watching Reese in these matchups is a masterclass in rebounding, hustle, and consistency.
Reese’s game may not be as flashy or polarizing as Clark’s, but her constant motor to create second and third-chance opportunities for her team is why the Sky have a breathing shot to make the playoffs. She’s also the main reason the Sky rank atop the league in rebounds per game (37.1) as of August 22 per ESPN.
WNBA has Bright Future
WNBA Rookie of The Year Favorites Caitlin Clark (left) and Angel Reese (right).
Clark currently leads the Rookie of the Year race thanks to her record-breaking assists and her triple-double. Reese’s rebounding dominance and consistent double-doubles make the contest exciting until the final games.
The two rookies will face off on August 30 when Sky hosts Fever at 7:30 PM ET. Clark leads the head-to-head series 2-1, adding extra intrigue to their final matchup this season.
Clark and Reese are foundational for their organizations and the future of the league. Their marketability shines on and off the court through sponsorships, media appearances, and global recognition. Both rookies ensure the WNBA remains competitive, exciting, and full of star power for years.
The 2024 rookie class will be remembered for their record-breaking achievements and game-changing talent.