Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark might have ended the debate for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award โ if there was one to begin with.
On Friday, Clark outshined fellow first-year standout Angel Reese in the Fever’s 100-81 victory over the Chicago Sky. Oh, and she also added several historic feats to her growing resume.
Clark’s Stellar Performance:
Caitlin Clark put on a show against Chicago Sky, scoring a career-high 31 points with 12 assists and four rebounds. She shot an impressive 8-of-14 from the field and nailed five out of nine three-pointers. This performance marked her fifth game with at least 20 points and 10 assists, breaking Courtney Vandersloot’s single-season record.
Caitlin Clark put on a show in her career-high performance vs. the Chicago Sky
31 PTS
12 AST
4 REB
1 STL
8-14 FG
5-9 3 PTIn just 32 minutes #WelcometotheW
โ WNBA (@WNBA)
Clark achieved another milestone by becoming the first player in WNBA history to score more than 30 points and dish out over a dozen assists in a single game.
I probably donโt need to tell you all that Caitlin Clarkโs 31-4-12 tonight is the first line of 30+ points and 12+ assists in WNBA history.
Not among rookies. Ever.
โ Adam Jacobi (@adam_jacobi)ย
The Struggle for Angel Reese:
On the other hand, Angel Reese had a tough night despite recording her 23rd double-double of the year with ten points and eleven rebounds. Most of her production came late in the game when it was already decided.
Friday marked their last matchup this season, ending their series at two wins each. However, Clark averaged better stats overall compared to Reese during these games.
Fans really love seeing these two compete!
Awards Aren’t Everything:
Both players emphasized that individual awards aren’t their main focus right now.
“Both of our teams are competing for playoff spots; that’s our main focus,” said Clark via Chloe Peterson of Indy Star. “That’s a selfish thing to care about individual awards and she’d give you the same exact answer.”
Conversely, Reese stated that neither she nor Clark “care about Rookie of the Year.”
“We’re just trying to do whatever it takes to win,” Reese said via Julia Poe of Chicago Tribune. “That’s what’s important right now.”
The Playoff Race:
The Sky are struggling with five straight losses but still hold onto a playoff spot by a thread. With nine games left, they’re fighting hard against teams like Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics for that final postseason berth.
Meanwhile, after their win on Friday night, Indiana Fever is closer to securing one of those coveted playoff spots too! They currently hold No.6 seed over Phoenix Mercury due to winning their season series while having an advantage over Chicago Sky as well.
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