The WNBA’s highly touted rookie class made a significant impact in 2024, with top draft picks Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese setting numerous records throughout the season. Clark, the number one overall pick, led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, while Reese, despite missing several games due to injury, etched her name into the record books with an impressive rookie campaign.
Clark’s remarkable season saw her set new WNBA single-season and single-game marks for assists, while Reese established a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles with 15. Unfortunately, Reese’s rookie season was cut short due to a wrist injury, but she still managed to average 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 34 games.
As the playoffs got underway, Clark and the Fever faced off against the Connecticut Sun in Game 1, ultimately falling 93-69. Clark finished with 11 points on 4-for-17 shooting, adding 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 turnovers. The Sun’s DeWanna Bonner proved to be a formidable defender, limiting Clark’s scoring opportunities in the first half.
Despite struggling early, Clark found her rhythm in the third quarter, scoring her first 3-pointer of the game and finishing with 8 points in the quarter. However, the Fever’s offense stalled in the fourth, allowing the Sun to pull away and secure the win.
Clark and the Fever will look to bounce back in Game 2 of the first round, set to take place on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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