BY BRETT GENDOES ATHLON SPORTS UPDATED SEPTEMBER 07, 2024 8:45 PM Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese have been locked in a battle for WNBA Rookie of the Year. While both players have strong supporters of their Rookie of the Year candidacy, the historic nature of their respective rookie seasons is undeniable. For Clark, she has broken numerous records with her combination of scoring and playmaking. For Reese, she has also broken numerous records, but with her rebounding and double-doubles. In a heartbreaking announcement on Saturday, Reese revealed that her rookie season has ended. The Sky confirmed this news, revealing that a wrist injury will sideline Reese for the remainder of the season. While many believe Clark has already secured Rookie of the Year, this announcement likely ends any chance Reese had at winning the award. Set to miss the last six regular season games, Reese will be unable to bolster her Rookie of the Year case. Clark has been doing a lot for her own case recently, averaging 24.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 47/40/93 splits since the Olympic break. Posting these numbers en route to a 7-2 record, Clark has led Indiana to their first playoff berth since 2016. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Reese was also performing well post-break, averaging 13.8 points and a league-leading 16.0 rebounds. Chicago went just 2-8 in these games, including a seven-game losing streak that was snapped in their win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. While many feel the WNBA Rookie of the Year race was already decided, this Reese news unfortunately ends any chance she had at strengthening her case.
