Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark WNBA ROTY race gets eye-opening take after Sky-Fever
06/24/2024 03:28 PM
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark added another chapter to their epic rivalry during Sunday’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. Both players showed out, but the Sky came away with the 88-87 victory, vaulting them ahead in the standings.
TV pundit Monica McNutt claims that the WNBA Rookie of the Year race between the two young stars could come down to the wire, via ESPN First Take.
.@McNuttMonica says the race between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark for the WNBA ROTY is "not a foregone conclusion." pic.twitter.com/ftPwkzyjZu
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 24, 2024
“This is race is not a foregone conclusion,” McNutt said. “Coming into this season, Caitlin Clark had the best odds per Vegas to win the award. My whole thing coming into this was which one of these rookies, or any rookie should the race be opened up to dark horse contenders, is going to have the greatest impact on winning.”
While leading the team to the wins is a central aspect for any award, it’s worth mentioning that Chicago’s roster is better than Indiana’s on paper. Reese plays next fellow first-round pick Kamilla Cardoso, as well as reliable veterans such as Marina Mabrey and Chennedy Carter. While Indiana has a couple of other notable players, such as 2023 Rookie of the Year Aaliyah Boston, its team isn’t quite on the same level as a whole.
Who will take the rookie crown when it’s all said and done?
Reese could best Clark if she helps the Sky to more wins
“Yesterday. I’ma be honest with y’all,” McNutt continued. “My answer was Caitlin, because at the time, Indiana held that eighth seed. Now, there’s a little bit of detail here. Indiana has played 18 games, Chicago has played 15 games. After last night’s contest, or yesterday afternoon’s contest, it flips. You would have the Sky in the playoffs right now, which means that Angel Reese in theory has impacted winning in a greater way. But I think the double-double streak that she’s on, the eight consecutive double-doubles.”
“For Caitlin, she’s leading rookies in points, minutes, and assists,” McNutt continued. “She’s seen the most blitzes in the league, so she’s navigating a different level of defensive intensity, and rightfully so because she’s playing a point guard role for this Fever squad. So I think today, looking at the standings, you probably lean Angel just a little bit, but Caitlin’s numbers are fantastic, and I just think this thing is going to be a lot tighter than most folks thought it might’ve been.”
The post Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark WNBA ROTY race gets eye-opening take after Sky-Fever appeared first on ClutchPoints.
