WNBA fever? More like Indiana Fever, thanks to Caitlin Clark—yes, that Caitlin Clark—who’s been setting the court on fire with not just her game but a spicy little subplot: Angel Reese. Who knew the Rookie of the Year (ROTY) race would be this fun? Clark’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular, but what’s a rookie showdown without a little plot twist, right? Cue Angel Reese, a fierce rival and queen of rebounds, who had her own sights set on the coveted title. Oh, but there’s more to this rookie rivalry than meets the eye.
The ROTY Showdown: Caitlin vs. Angel
Back in April, as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Clark as the #1 overall draft pick, it wasn’t just a pick—it was a warning shot. A proclamation to the league that this former Iowa star wasn’t here to merely dip her toes into the WNBA waters. She was diving in headfirst, already eyeing the Rookie of the Year award (and possibly the throne). On the other side of the battlefield stood Angel Reese—Clark’s college rival, who spent her rookie season crashing the boards for the Chicago Sky, setting records, and being the all-around rebounding beast we know her to be.
But plot twist: Reese’s dream season turned into a nightmare as an injury sidelined her. Tragic? Yes. Advantage Clark? Absolutely.
Clark’s ROTY Victory Lap (With a Message to Reese)
Fast forward to September 22nd, and Clark stands victorious—not just victorious, unanimously victorious. The Rookie of the Year? It wasn’t even close. Reese, despite her monstrous rebounding numbers (13.1 boards per game, people!), didn’t grab a single first-place vote. Ouch. Maybe it was Clark’s league-leading 8.4 assists per game or her 19.2-point scoring average. Or perhaps it was the way she led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight long years. Regardless, Clark’s ROTY win feels a bit like she’s sending a friendly (but firm) reminder to Reese: “Get well soon, I’ll be waiting.”
The Postseason Fever Dream
And if you thought Clark was stopping at the ROTY award, think again. She didn’t just sneak into the playoffs—she bulldozed her way onto the All-WNBA First Team. Yeah, that team with A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. Talk about instant elite company. This is like a rookie showing up to the Met Gala and outshining the regulars with a designer outfit she made herself. Who does that? Caitlin Clark does.
Clark’s Take: “It’s Just the Beginning”
“This is a tremendous honor to be named The Associated Press Rookie of the Year,” Clark humbly said after her win, as if she didn’t just swipe the ROTY crown like a seasoned pro. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without my amazing teammates and coaches,” she added. Sure, sure, Caitlin—give credit to the teammates. We see you. But let’s be real, when your team’s been absent from the playoffs for almost a decade, and suddenly you arrive, and boom—the Fever is in the postseason? Something tells us the Clark effect is very real.
Next stop: Connecticut Sun in the first round. Will the Fever shock the world and make a run for the championship? Eh, probably not this year. But Clark’s already set the stage for the Fever’s rise to true title contention. Meanwhile, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will have their own revenge storyline brewing for 2025.
One thing’s for sure: with Clark and Reese, the future of the WNBA is bright, and the rivalry is just getting started. Popcorn, anyone?