Angel Reese may ultimately end Caitlin Clark debate for surprise reason

The start of the WNBA season is always a whirlwind for rookies, and that proved to be especially true in 2024 for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. A magnifying glass has followed Reese and Clark's every little move.

The LSU star started the season off hot. Some said it was a fluke, but Reese proved that wrong. Clark started slow, but she caught up to the WNBA's pace sooner than many thought she would. Not being named to the Olympic team was a blessing in disguise for Clark (subscription required), as it allowed her to rest after a chaotic first half of the season.

Before the break, there was a heated Clark-Reese Rookie of the Year debate. Since then, the debate has quieted. Why? The Fever have won seven of their eight games since returning, while the Sky have lost seven in a row. Indiana secured a playoff berth and Chicago is clinging onto the No. 8 seed.

Caitlin Clark distances herself from Angel Reese in Rookie of the Year race

Clark is averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 42.5% from the field and 34.3% from three on 8.7 attempts. She's recorded two triple-doubles already this season. On the same night of her latest one, Clark hit her 100th three, making her the fastest player in WNBA history to join the 100-threes club.

Reese has been a double-double machine. She's averaging 13.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 38.4% from the field. She recorded a historic 15 consecutive double-doubles earlier in the season.

Chicago's surprising slump severely hurts Reese's ROY case, especially if the Sky miss the postseason. Clark's ascension propelled the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since Tamika Catchings retired in 2016. Indiana doesn't look like the team it was at the beginning of the season. Neither does Chicago, but not for a good reason. At least Chennedy Carter's back for the Sky.

Both Reese and Clark are great players. For some reason, some people think you can't acknowledge that. It doesn't have to be either/or. Clark will almost certainly get the nod for ROY because of her stellar play and the Fever's rise, but that won't take away from all Reese has accomplished (and will achieve in the future).