Despite Caitlin Clark being the clear frontrunner for WNBA Rookie of the Year, some fans and analysts have continued to argue in favor of Angel Reese due to her strong rebounding numbers. However, Friday’s matchup in Chicago seemed to settle the debate once and for all.
In a decisive 100-81 victory for the Indiana Fever over the Chicago Sky, Clark, the No. 1 overall pick, outshined Reese, who was the No. 7 pick. Clark delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, while Reese finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. The Fever’s dominant win, coupled with Clark’s stellar play, earned her a massive ovation from the Chicago crowd—on the road, no less.
While Reese’s rebounding numbers have impressed many, a closer look reveals that a significant portion of her boards come from her own missed shots. This has led to accusations of “stat-padding,” though it’s more accurate to say she’s unintentionally boosting her stats. In contrast, Clark’s numbers are more straightforward, and her contributions are directly leading to victories for her team.
When evaluating Rookie of the Year candidates, it’s important to consider not just individual stats, but also the impact on team success. Clark’s ability to lead her team to wins, combined with her consistent and effective play, makes her the clear choice for the award. In essence, if you view the Rookie of the Year as the “first-year MVP,” the conversation ends with Clark as the rightful winner.
But beyond the numbers, Clark’s popularity is another telling factor. During Friday’s game, she managed to draw more cheers in Chicago than Reese did in her own arena, underscoring her widespread appeal and dominance in the league.
Even some of Reese’s staunchest supporters seemed to shift their stance after witnessing Clark’s performance on Friday.
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Despite all the buzz surrounding the Rookie of the Year race, Clark herself downplayed its importance, subtly criticizing the media for placing so much emphasis on individual accolades.
“I think me and Angel would both give you the same answer. You don’t wake up and think about individual awards. I know that’s what all of [the media] think we do. We don’t. That’s what everybody wants to make this about. Both of our teams are competing for playoff spots. That’s our main focus,” Clark said.
Her primary focus, she insisted, is on winning a WNBA championship, not on collecting individual trophies. Clark emphasized that caring too much about personal awards is selfish and detracts from being a good teammate.
“If you’re playing basketball to win individual awards, no matter what level you’re on, you’re doing it wrong, and that’s not fun, and that’s not being a good teammate,” she added.
Clark’s humility and team-first mentality make it clear that, for her, the ultimate goal is team success, not personal glory. So, for those still pushing the narrative that Angel Reese deserves the Rookie of the Year title over Caitlin Clark, Friday’s game served as a powerful counterargument. In the end, what truly matters is leading your team to victory—and Clark has been doing just that.
