Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese both make yet more WNBA history
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese both set more WNBA history on Sunday in impressive performances for their teams.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: Breaking Records and Redefining Rookie Seasons in the WNBA
The rivalry that captivated college basketball fans is now making waves in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the two dominant stars who led their respective teams to NCAA Championship appearances, continue to rewrite the narrative of rookie seasons.
On Sunday, Clark, the Indiana Fever's point guard, orchestrated a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, adding another accomplishment to her impressive rookie campaign. Not only did she contribute 23 points, but she also dished out her 225th assist, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro's 1998 record for most assists by a rookie in WNBA history.
"To pass somebody like her, I'm just forever thankful," Clark stated after the game. "She's been such a legend in our game. It's super cool, but hopefully, there are a lot more of those." Clark, who leads the league with 8.3 assists per game, now owns a record that showcases her exceptional playmaking abilities.
Penicheiro, who has always been a respected figure in the WNBA, acknowledged the significance of Clark's achievement. "Records are meant to be broken...it shows growth and evolution. Can't think of a better player to break it," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
This record is just the latest in a series of achievements for Clark in her inaugural WNBA season. She became the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double and also set a new record with 19 assists in a single game.
But Clark's phenomenal performances are being met head-on by her college rival, Angel Reese.
Also on Sunday, Reese, now playing for the Chicago Sky, delivered a dominant performance of her own. She racked up 19 points and 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 20 double-doubles in a single season.
Reese, who leads the league in rebounding with 12.3 per game, reached this milestone in just 27 games. She is now only two double-doubles shy of matching Tina Charles' record for most double-doubles in a rookie season, set in 2010.
Earlier in the season, Reese broke the record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.
With the WNBA back in full swing after the Olympic break, both Clark and Reese are poised to lead their respective teams towards the postseason. The Fever (13-15) will face the Minnesota Lynx in their next game, while the Sky (11-16) will battle the Connecticut Sun.
The intensity and excitement surrounding these two rookie stars are only intensifying. As they continue their respective journeys in the WNBA, one thing is clear: Clark and Reese are not only making history but also setting a new standard for what it means to be a rookie in the league. The future of the WNBA seems bright, and these two dynamic players are at the forefront of its evolution.
The rivalry that captivated college basketball fans is now making waves in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the two dominant stars who led their respective teams to NCAA Championship appearances, continue to rewrite the narrative of rookie seasons.
On Sunday, Clark, the Indiana Fever's point guard, orchestrated a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, adding another accomplishment to her impressive rookie campaign. Not only did she contribute 23 points, but she also dished out her 225th assist, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro's 1998 record for most assists by a rookie in WNBA history.
"To pass somebody like her, I'm just forever thankful," Clark stated after the game. "She's been such a legend in our game. It's super cool, but hopefully, there are a lot more of those." Clark, who leads the league with 8.3 assists per game, now owns a record that showcases her exceptional playmaking abilities.
Penicheiro, who has always been a respected figure in the WNBA, acknowledged the significance of Clark's achievement. "Records are meant to be broken...it shows growth and evolution. Can't think of a better player to break it," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
This record is just the latest in a series of achievements for Clark in her inaugural WNBA season. She became the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double and also set a new record with 19 assists in a single game.
But Clark's phenomenal performances are being met head-on by her college rival, Angel Reese.
Also on Sunday, Reese, now playing for the Chicago Sky, delivered a dominant performance of her own. She racked up 19 points and 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 20 double-doubles in a single season.
Reese, who leads the league in rebounding with 12.3 per game, reached this milestone in just 27 games. She is now only two double-doubles shy of matching Tina Charles' record for most double-doubles in a rookie season, set in 2010.
Earlier in the season, Reese broke the record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.
With the WNBA back in full swing after the Olympic break, both Clark and Reese are poised to lead their respective teams towards the postseason. The Fever (13-15) will face the Minnesota Lynx in their next game, while the Sky (11-16) will battle the Connecticut Sun.
The intensity and excitement surrounding these two rookie stars are only intensifying. As they continue their respective journeys in the WNBA, one thing is clear: Clark and Reese are not only making history but also setting a new standard for what it means to be a rookie in the league. The future of the WNBA seems bright, and these two dynamic players are at the forefront of its evolution.