The WNBA season has set new records for TV ratings, venue sell-outs, retail sales, and social media participation. The momentum began with the most-watched Draft in history in April, when the Indiana Fever (13-15) took Caitlin Clark as the first pick and the Chicago Sky (11-17) selected Angel Reese, Clark’s biggest competitor for Rookie of the Year, sixth. Clark has played in 14 of the 16 games that have reached one million spectators, contributing significantly to the season’s success.
Race for Rookie of the Year
At the start of the season, the Rookie of the Year race was primarily between three players: Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink (the number two pick), and Angel Reese. On June 18, with Brink’s season-ending injury, the race narrowed to two contenders. Both Clark and Reese have delivered outstanding performances and set new records-Reese with the most consecutive double-doubles (15) in WNBA history, and Clark becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double and setting the record for most assists in a game (19). Their rapid adaptation to the league is remarkable; neither plays like a rookie. Personally, I prefer Clark’s style over Reese’s, as it’s more complete, offensive, and visually appealing. Clark is also in the running for MVP, although that award seems destined for A’ja Wilson.
Since the league resumed after the month-long Olympic break, the Chicago Sky and Reese have struggled, going 1-3. While Reese has maintained her streak of double-doubles in all those games, her shooting percentage has been 19-55 (34.54%). To put that in perspective, the lowest shooting percentage in the NBA last season was Alec Burks’ 36.9%. This is a troubling stat, and social media has been quick to point it out. For the second time this season, a video of Reese missing open shots circulated online after yesterday’s loss to the Connecticut Sun (21-7). If she wants to keep pace with Clark, who has already pulled ahead, Reese will need to improve her shooting percentage. This would also benefit her team, which is only one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream (10-18) for the final playoff spot.
WNBA’s Final Month of Action
The season has just less than a moth of action as it ends on September 19. Reese has played in all 28 games for the Sky this season, averaging 32 minutes, 13.6 points, and 12.6 rebounds per game-a category she leads the league in. In yesterday’s loss, she set a new WNBA record with 20 rebounds. The season concludes on September 19, and the Sky have 12 games remaining to secure a playoff spot. The New York Liberty (25-4) is currently the only team that has clinched a playoff berth.
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