Chennedy Carter crowns Angel Reese ROY after Sky rookie dazzles with 12th double-doubles (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The WNBA season is almost halfway through, and Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are in a fierce race for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award. Both players have performed admirably after making their WNBA debuts earlier this year, and both stars are making a strong case to take the hardware home.
Reese’s Chicago Sky teammate, Chennedy Carter, is the latest to give her two cents to the ongoing debate concerning Rookie of the Year contender. After Friday’s 88-84 victory over the Seattle Storm at the Climate Pledge Arena, Carter crowns Reese for Rookie of the Year honor.
“Barbie’s Rookie of the Year,” Carter said. “She goes out, she does her work every single night no matter what team we are facing. I’m telling you, Barbie’s rookie of the year, for sure.”
Angel Reese (nicknamed “Barbie”) finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds to record her 12th consecutive double-double of the season. That ties Candace Parker, who achieved the same feat across the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
The Maryland native now has the opportunity to break the record on Sunday when she returns to Seattle to face the Storm.
Carter was outstanding on the evening too but her season-high 33 points were somewhat overshadowed by Reese’s historic night.
Friday’s win means the Sky improve to 8-11 on the season and remain in the playoff pit with 21 games remaining.
Angel Reese vs Caitlin Clark: A close race for prestigious WNBA Rookie of the Year award
The addition of rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark (along with a handful of other talented newcomers) has propelled the WNBA to new heights both in terms of talent and popularity.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark dates back to their college days. While there have been plenty of memorable moments and talking points on and off the court during their collegiate careers, the WNBA Rookie of the Year race will be the latest point of debate between the two stars.
Angel Reese is currently averaging 13.9 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals over 19 games and leads the league with 11.7 rebounds per game. Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, more known for her shooting ability and passing, is averaging 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. She ranks third in the league with 7.1 assists per game.
Given that Reese and Clark play different positions, it will be tough to compare. However, both have been exceptional for their respective teams throughout the season.
This captivating Rookie of the Year battle will likely go down to the wire. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments section.
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Edited by Krutik Jain