Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are both incredible athletes, but Caitlin Clark’s rookie year in the WNBA stands out for several reasons. Clark’s performance with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, she became one of the most dynamic rookies the league has ever seen.
As new fan of the WNBA, I don’t particularly like being called a racist, which is essentially what Angel Reese said after realizing she’s second fiddle to Clark. But there’s more to it than that.
Caitlin Clark has energized the league, but there’s a reason why nobody is following the semifinals and many won’t follow the finals. Clark’s Fever was eliminated quickly in round one.
For most new fans, the season ended there. The ratings have dropped. It’s a fact, but Clark’s energy is still being felt as the New York Liberty’s semifinal games were among the most watched in league history, but still not the same as when Clark and Indiana were still in it.
Not only did she put up big numbers, but she also broke records, including the single-season assist record, while leading her team to the playoffs. Clark’s playmaking, leadership, and consistency made her the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
In contrast, Angel Reese had a strong start to her rookie campaign with the Chicago Sky, especially shining as a dominant rebounder. Reese set a new WNBA record for total rebounds in a single season, which is a huge accomplishment for any player, let alone a rookie. However, her season was unfortunately cut short due to a wrist injury, which took her out of action just when the Sky needed her most. While her rebounding stats were off the charts, Reese’s absence during the critical part of the season made it difficult for her to compete with Clark’s full-season impact.
As for why some fans argue that Reese is a reason people don’t watch the WNBA, it’s not about her skills but rather her off-court persona. Reese is known for her outspoken confidence and willingness to engage in trash talk, which has polarized the public. While some fans appreciate her fiery attitude, others see it as a distraction from the game, making her a divisive figure in the league.
Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, lets her performance on the court do the talking. Her ability to consistently deliver without any off-court drama has made her the face of the league’s future. This focus on basketball, along with her leadership and record-breaking play, is why she deserved the Rookie of the Year award, while Reese, despite her undeniable talent, wasn’t able to match that full-season dominance.
