Caitlin Clark answered her critics and doubters by creating more history.
Before the start of the WNBA season, some theorized that Angel Reese would have a more impactful rookie season.
GettyClark’s historic season keeps getting better[/caption]
Early in the 2024 campaign, Reese received heavy media coverage for her consistent double-doubles.
Clark simply got better and better, being praised by everyone from Charles Barkley to LeBron James.
On Sunday, the Indiana Fever added to her historic season with a no-doubt accomplishment.
Clark was unanimously named WNBA Rookie of the Year, collecting her most prestigious pro award to date.
Fans celebrated Clark’s honor — and also criticized those who first doubted her.
“Deserved,” one fan tweeted. “She was the best rookie by a distance.”
“Where’s that ‘rude awakening’ all the haters were on about,” a second fan posted.
“Congratulations to her,” a third fan wrote. “Another accomplishment under her belt.”
Clark entered the Indiana Fever playoff game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday with some of the best numbers ever produced by a WNBA rookie.
She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals, while shooting 41.7 per cent from the field and 34.4 per cent on 3-pointers.
GettyClark has made WNBA fans smile this year[/caption]
GettyReese had a solid rookie season but couldn’t compare to Clark’s numbers[/caption]
Clark led the Fever to a huge 2024 turnaround.
Indiana went 20-20 during the regular season and earned a postseason spot.
Reese put up solid stats (13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds).
But the Chicago rookie only shot 39.1 per cent from the floor.
The Sky finished 13-27 and were one of the worst teams in the league.
Meanwhile, Clark was a four-time WNBA Rookie of the Month, three-time WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week, and WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month.
Barkley, an NBA legend and Inside the NBA commentator, is a huge Clark supporter.
“These ladies — and I’m a WNBA fan — they cannot have f***** this Caitlin Clark thing up any worse if they tried,” Barkley told The Ringer.
“Just because people don’t like you or your personality, they can’t get on TV and slander you. It’s just total bull****.
GettyClark prepared for her first playoff game[/caption]
“This girl is incredible. The number of attention eyeballs she’s brought to college and the pros. And for these women to have this petty jealousness.
“You’re saying to yourself, ‘D***, what is going on here?’ “
Clark, a former Iowa college star, was also named to the All-WNBA First Team with Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson.
Clark was selected to the All-Rookie Team with Kamilla Cardoso, Leonie Fiebich, Rickea Jackson and Reese.
It was a breakthrough regular season for the WNBA.
Clark was unanimously named Rookie of the Year and was selected to the All-WNBA team, while Reese’s rookie campaign ended short due to a wrist injury.
In the end, the sometimes contentious Clark-Reese debate featured one clear winner on the court in 2024.
