The WNBA Finally Gets Its Own Magic Versus Bird Rivalry
Unless you are living under a rock, you have seen the excitement around the WNBA this season. It’s unlike any season before. More people are watching games than ever before.
Why you ask? Two big reasons. Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese. The rivalry that started in college has flipped the page to the pro level and it’s only the beginning. These two women took the league by storm and will continue to elevate the WNBA product for years.
A rivalry that began with Reese chasing Clark around the court to point at her ring finger has blossomed into a full-blown war between fans of the two. Neither side is willing to budge on the staunch opinion of the other. The reality is that they’re both great basketball players and both great for the WNBA. Before this season, it seemed you couldn’t pay someone to watch a WNBA game. Now it’s all the buzz, with Clark and Reese at the forefront of it all.
WNBA Rookies Put On A Show
Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. She shot 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from behind the arc. She played in 40 games and led the Fever to a playoff spot, breaking a plethora of records along the way. She made a real case for being the second-best player in the entire league behind A’ja Wilson.
Reese was dominant too. She averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. The queen of Chicago shot 39.1% from the field. Although her rookie season was cut short by injury, she still found time to break records at the pro level. She is dominant in the paint. If she cleans up the efficiency it will be scary for the other WNBA teams.
The ying to each other’s yang. Clark attacks from the perimeter, nailing jump shots and throwing dimes at her teammates. An aerial assault. Reese on the other hand is straight ground and pound. Right up in your face. They’re very different players, but both are dominant in their own way. They are the clear front runners in the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year race, but it should go to Clark.
Breaking Records
Both found ways to break records in their rookie season, but nobody more than Clark. She broke almost every rookie record you could think of. She became the first rookie in WNBA history to score 400 points, 100 rebounds, and 150 assists. The Iowa legend tied the record for most career WNBA games with 25 points and 10 assists. Not rookies, WNBA record. For a better interpretation of her dominance, check out this post from Statmuse.
On the flip side, Reese was breaking records for herself in Chicago. She was the WNBA’s rebound queen in her rookie season with 13.1 rebounds per game. Tina Charles previously held the record for most double-doubles by a WNBA rookie. Reese smashed it with 26. She even posted 15 straight double-doubles, also a record. Reese became the only WNBA player with three straight games with 20+ rebounds. Unfortunately, the Sky didn’t find a ton of team success, but she still made her mark on the WNBA in year one.
Head To Head Matchups
In their first meeting on June 1, the Fever got the best of the Sky 71-70 as a part of the WNBA Commissioners Cup to start the season. Clark struggled by her standards, posting 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and one steal. She turned the ball over five times and shot just two for nine from behind the arc. Not an ideal day at the office for Clark, but still got the win. Reese put up eight points, 13 rebounds, and one steal. She shot just 22.2% from the field. Round one went to Caitlyn.
In their second meeting 15 days later, both parties played better. The Fever scraped out another win by a final score of 91-83. Clark scored 23 and added eight rebounds and nine assists with two blocks. Reese dazzled as well, posting 11 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. She even shot better from the field, this time coming in at 30.8%.
The two met again two weeks later, this time with the Sky coming out on top 88-87. Reese led the way for Chicago, putting up 25 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 66.7% from the field. Clark scored 17 points and added six rebounds and 13 assists while hitting five three-pointers. Finally, the Sky fights back.
In the final meeting of their rookie season on August 30, the Fever got their revenge in a 100-81 win. Clark shined in this one. She scored 31 points to go with four rebounds, 12 assists, and a steal. She hit five three-pointers in the dominant win. Reese was able to put up a double-double with ten points and 11 assists to go with a steal and five fouls. Advantage Caitlyn.
This is going to be one of the best rivalries in sports for years to come. Say what you want about the WNBA, get your jokes off. But these girls are ballers and whether you like it or not, they’re both headed for greatness at the pro level. Year one was a treat to watch. Hopefully, they meet in the playoffs one day.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok a follow for more great content!