In a rookie season that felt more like a takeover than a debut, Caitlin Clark has secured her place among the stars on the 2024 All-WNBA First Team. Clark didn’t just enter the WNBA; she kicked the door down, winning Rookie of the Year and leaving defenders and doubters alike eating her dust. The Indiana Fever rookie phenom has now officially claimed her seat at the elite table, joining MVP A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, among others, in this year’s dream squad.
But while Clark was busy adding another notch to her already growing list of accolades, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu was once again handed a one-way ticket to the Second Team – for the third straight year! Yes, the star guard was snubbed from the First Team like it was some exclusive club that doesn’t want her cool stats around. Despite averaging an impressive 18.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, and basically carrying her team on her back at times, Ionescu found herself 52 points shy of First Team status. Ouch.
Clark Shines, Ionescu Left Wondering What More She Can Do
As the All-WNBA teams were announced just before the Liberty faced the Lynx in a must-win playoff showdown, Clark was seen celebrating her First Team spot. Ionescu, on the other hand, was probably muttering “not again” under her breath. Alongside Clark on the First Team were Breanna Stewart (the MVP hoarder), A’ja Wilson (who’s running out of shelf space for her MVP trophies), Napheesa Collier (who just dominates quietly), and Alyssa Thomas (basically a walking triple-double machine).
Despite missing out on the top squad, Ionescu played it cool in interviews, casually brushing off the snub with a “I don’t really care about those awards” line, like a kid pretending they didn’t want ice cream when they were clearly craving it. But hey, if the goal is to win championships, maybe she’s got a point. After all, the Liberty are still fighting for that WNBA title, and Ionescu has been a huge part of that push.
Sabrina’s “Almost First Team” Season
Now, don’t get it twisted. Sabrina Ionescu had a baller season. She was one of the most consistent performers in the league, and before the Olympic break, she was torching opponents with 23.2 points per game. Things cooled off a bit afterward (maybe someone forgot to remind her we were playing for First Team here), and that little dip may have cost her a few votes. But come playoff time, Ionescu went full beast mode again.
In Game 2 of the playoffs against the Atlanta Dream, Ionescu dropped a career-high 36 points, leaving everyone wondering how she still didn’t get that First Team nod. Even though she’s tearing it up in the postseason with 19.8 points per game on 45% shooting, it seems like the First Team powers that be are too busy admiring Clark’s flashy behind-the-back dribbles to notice. Priorities, right?
Ionescu Eyes Bigger Prizes – A Championship
While Clark is basking in the glory of her First Team status, Ionescu’s focus is fixed on the bigger picture. Championships. Because let’s face it, those flashy First Team nods are great and all, but the real bragging rights come with a championship ring. And as the Liberty face off against the Lynx in the WNBA Finals, Ionescu is showing why she’s the key to their success. Averaging 17 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals in the series, she’s doing everything short of pulling off a miracle to push her team over the line.
So, while the First Team honors may have eluded her (again), Ionescu is proving that the accolades don’t define her game. She’s still out there leading her squad, taking down tough opponents, and keeping the Liberty’s championship hopes alive. And let’s be real—winning a title is the ultimate “I told you so” to all those voters who left her off the First Team.
