The latest chapter in the WNBA’s ongoing rookie rivalry flipped the script as Angel Reese delivered a history-making performance while Caitlin Clark experienced a third straight game of shooting woes.
For much of the season, the storyline has focused on Clark‘s shooting and accolades while Reese was often cast as the challenger.
This time, however, it was the Chicago Sky‘s star forward who grabbed the spotlight and left no doubt about her value to the team.
Chicago’s comeback win over the Los Angeles Sparks hinged on Reese‘s all-around dominance.
She recorded 18 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and four steals, a stat line that put her in rare company. Only three other players in league history-Candace Parker, Tamika Catchings, and Tina Charles-have ever reached those numbers in a single game. Reese‘s latest double-double also moved her past Candace Parker for the second-most double-doubles in a player’s first two WNBA seasons, now trailing only Tina Charles.
Clark, meanwhile, continued to search for answers as the Indiana Fever‘s rising star managed only six points on three of thirteen shooting in a win over Seattle. She went scoreless from deep, missing all six of her three-point attempts. In her last three games, Clark has connected on just one of twenty-three attempts from long range, an unusual cold streak for someone known for her perimeter shooting.
Reese’s leadership and Cardoso’s All-Star campaign
Angel Reese‘s impact goes far beyond the box score. When asked about the Sky’s recent momentum and the noise surrounding the team, she was clear about where her motivation comes from. “Yeah, we’re tired of getting cussed out,” Reese said. “Not literally, but I think just for us in the post, we had to be better in our plugs. … I said kudos to the guards cause we be seeing y’all on they a- on Twitter and like that, so I need y’all to just let them hoop. It’s going to be a process.”
She added, “Just trust the process. Like give them some grace, give us some grace and give Tyler and just the staff grace, because this is a lot of our first and second years and it’s hard.”
Over her last five games, Reese has contributed 65 points, 61 rebounds, and 28 assists. Her efforts are even more critical as rookie center Kamilla Cardoso is set to miss several games while competing for Brazil at the FIBA AmeriCup. Before her absence, Cardoso posted a career-high 27 points along with seven rebounds and three assists, making a strong case for her inclusion as an All-Star.
Reese did not hesitate to advocate for her teammate, stating in the postgame press conference, “This is the last week for All-Star voting. Kamilla-she should be an All-Star. It’s her first year, she could’ve got it last year as well. I mean, obviously you don’t put up 27 for nothing, like, against anybody. And she’s been consistent. Obviously, she’s going away, but that doesn’t take away what she’s done.”
After the initial round of All-Star voting, Cardoso ranked 22nd, leaving fans and analysts to debate whether her absence for international play will hurt her chances.
The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is far from settled. As Clark works to regain her shooting touch and Reese continues her all-around dominance, the spotlight shines equally on both rookies for very different reasons.
For now, Angel Reese‘s name belongs alongside WNBA legends, and her relentless pursuit of greatness has changed the conversation for good.
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