Stephen A. Smith continues to defend Angel Reese and criticize Caitlin Clark over who truly deserved the WNBA championship, despite the clear outcome.

Interest in the WNBA has reached a level it’s never seen through its 27 years of existence. This season has been like none other, and the rookie class, led by Indiana Fever guard and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, plays a massive part in that.

Clark has taken the women’s game to another level. In a short period of time, she’s sent shockwaves through the game of basketball, and she is just getting started. Clark’s rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular. Her stats and impact on the game and her team have been vital to the turnaround after a slow start to the season.

While Clark is the star of the league as a rookie, a fellow rookie has climbed up the ranks regarding Rookie of the Year: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. Reese has made a name for herself in the professional league, so much so that many, including ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, believe that she deserves to be named Rookie of the Year.

Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. ESPN ananlyst Stephen A…. More Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Smith was blunt when discussing why Reese deserves the award over Clark as things stand.

“Reese is the only player in WNBA history with three consecutive 20-rebound games. I’ve talked about Caitlin Clark — I love the sizzle, I love the ball-handling, I love the passing ability, I love the shot-making ability. But let’s give credit where credit is due: Angel Reese is showing she’s no joke either. I think she could win Rookie of the Year.”

Both Clark and Reese have set records this season. Clark set the WNBA record with 19 assists in a single game, and she’s the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double. As for Reese, she set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles and set another record with three consecutive games recording 20 or more rebounds.

The two have a long history dating back to their college days. Their teams have met each other twice in college, when the stakes were at their highest in the NCAA tournament. Their teams — LSU for Reese, Iowa for Clark — split the two games.

The rivalry doesn’t stop there, and it will only continue to grow as their professional careers continue. The two will face off once again on Friday as Reese’s Chicago Sky faces Clark’s Fever, and this matchup could go a long way toward the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.

Clark is averaging 18.0 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31 games. Resse is averaging 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in 30 games.

Interest in the WNBA has skyrocketed this season, reaching unprecedented levels in the league’s 27-year history. Much of this newfound excitement can be attributed to the phenomenal rookie class, spearheaded by Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has quickly made a name for herself and become a game-changer in women’s basketball.Throughout her rookie campaign, Clark has dazzled fans and experts alike with her exceptional skills and impact on the court. Her stellar performance has been a driving force behind the Fever’s turnaround after a slow start to the season. While Clark has captured the spotlight as a standout rookie, another first-year player, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, has emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year honors.Reese, a forward for the Sky, has garnered attention for her outstanding performances on the professional stage. Notably, she is the only player in WNBA history to achieve three consecutive 20-rebound games, a feat that has impressed even renowned ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. Smith has voiced his support for Reese as the top candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, citing her remarkable achievements on the court.In addition to their individual accomplishments, both Clark and Reese have set new records in the WNBA this season. Clark made history by dishing out 19 assists in a single game, as well as recording a rare triple-double as a rookie. Meanwhile, Reese established herself as a force in the paint with 15 consecutive double-doubles and a streak of three games with 20 or more rebounds.The rivalry between Clark and Reese dates back to their college days, when they faced off in high-stakes matchups during the NCAA tournament. Despite their teams splitting victories in college, their competitive spirit has only intensified as they transitioned to the professional level. The ongoing competition between the two promising stars adds an intriguing dimension to their individual journeys in the WNBA.As Clark and Reese prepare to meet once again on the court, the race for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award is reaching its climax. Clark’s impressive averages of 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game highlight her versatility and impact, while Reese’s solid numbers of 13.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals showcase her dominance in the paint.Follow us to stay updated on the latest developments in the WNBA and to discover more insightful content to enhance your basketball knowledge. Your support motivates us to provide you with valuable information and analysis on the world of women’s basketball.

The intense competition and rising talent in the WNBA have taken the league to new heights this season, creating a buzz like never before. Leading the charge is Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick who has redefined the women’s game with her exceptional skills and impact on the court. Clark’s rookie season has been a revelation, sparking a resurgence for her team after a slow start and setting new standards for greatness in the league.While Clark shines brightly as a rookie star, she faces stiff competition from Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese for the coveted Rookie of the Year title. Reese’s dominant presence in the paint and her historic achievement of three consecutive 20-rebound games have garnered widespread recognition, with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith tipping her as a strong contender for the accolade. The accolades keep pouring in for Reese as she continues to impress with her consistency and performance on the court.Both Clark and Reese have left an indelible mark on the WNBA this season, setting records and milestones that speak to their exceptional talent and potential. Clark’s record-breaking 19 assists in a single game and her historic triple-double as a rookie showcase her playmaking abilities and transformative impact. Meanwhile, Reese’s remarkable feat of 15 consecutive double-doubles and three games with 20 or more rebounds highlight her dominance in the paint and her unmatched rebounding prowess.The rivalry between Clark and Reese dates back to their college days, where they clashed in high-stakes matchups during the NCAA tournament. Their competitive spirit and drive for excellence have only intensified in the professional realm, adding an exciting narrative to their individual journeys in the WNBA. As they prepare to face off once again on the court, the race for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award reaches a climactic showdown that promises thrills and excitement for fans.Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis on the WNBA as we continue to bring you the latest news and insights from the world of women’s basketball. Your support and engagement drive us to deliver valuable content and enriching perspectives on the evolving landscape of the sport. Follow us for more exclusive content and stay connected with the pulse of the WNBA.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal