As the WNBA regular season nears its conclusion, the race for Rookie of the Year has become one of the most talked-about storylines, with Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese leading the pack. However, when asked about the competition for the coveted award ahead of their Friday night matchup, Clark offered a refreshingly blunt response that focused on team success over individual accolades.
Clark and Reese Focused on Winning, Not Awards
Clark, who has been dazzling in her rookie season with the Fever, made it clear that neither she nor Reese are preoccupied with the Rookie of the Year award. Instead, their primary focus remains on helping their teams secure playoff spots in the fiercely competitive WNBA landscape.
“I think me and Angel would both give you the same answer,” Clark said when asked about the Rookie of the Year race. “You don’t wake up and think about individual awards. I know that’s what all of you think we do. I know we don’t. That’s what everybody wants to make this about.”
Clark emphasized that her mindset, like Reese’s, is centered on team goals rather than personal achievements. “Both of our teams are competing for playoff spots, that’s our main focus. That’s a selfish thing to just care about an individual award. And she would give you the same exact answer. I’m sure she has given you the same exact answer.”
Clark’s candid response underscores her team-first mentality, a quality that has endeared her to fans and teammates alike. She concluded with a strong statement: “If you’re playing basketball to win individual awards, no matter what level you’re at, you’re doing it wrong.”
CC, on if it’s fun for the ROY race to be competitive with Angel Reese: “Me and Angel would both give you the same answer. You don’t wake up and think about individual awards. I know that’s what all of you think we do… that’s what everybody wants to make this about.”
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— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) August 30, 2024
Outstanding Rookie Seasons
Both Clark and Reese have had exceptional rookie campaigns, making the Rookie of the Year race one of the most closely watched in recent memory. Clark has been a standout playmaker, averaging 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-best 8.1 assists per game. Her ability to score and facilitate has been instrumental in the Fever’s push for a playoff spot.
Reese, on the other hand, has dominated the boards, leading the WNBA with 12.9 rebounds per game while also contributing 13.3 points per contest. Her relentless work on the glass and defensive presence have made her a cornerstone for the Sky, who are also vying for a postseason berth.
A Mutual Respect
Clark’s comments reflect not only her own competitive spirit but also the respect she has for her fellow rookie, Angel Reese. Both players have demonstrated that they are more concerned with their teams’ success than with individual accolades, a mindset that has undoubtedly contributed to their outstanding performances this season.
As the regular season winds down, the debate over who will take home the Rookie of the Year award will continue to heat up. But for Clark and Reese, the real prize lies in leading their teams to victory and making a deep run in the playoffs.
Their head-to-head matchup on Friday night, and likely beyond, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, but it’s clear that both rookies have their sights set on the bigger picture.
