Caitlin Clark, the highly anticipated number one pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has significantly made her mark during her debut season. Clark’s record-breaking season included both the single-season and single-game assist records, most points scored by a rookie, and the first rookie to achieve two triple-doubles. She equally ranked highly in scoring and assists and contributed to the Fever’s first postseason appearance since 2016. Clark’s impact was more than just on the court, with six different league television partners setting viewership records, especially for games involving the fever – a clear indication of her drawing power.
Clark’s enviable season could hardly have been predicted despite her successful four-season stint at Iowa. Her performance led the Hawkeyes to two Final Fours and set the NCAA Division I and major college women’s basketball scoring records. The hype and attention stayed with Clark as she transitioned to professional basketball, dazzling fans and making a significant contribution to a season of big growth for the WNBA.
For the first half of the season, WNBA Rookie of the Year was thought to be a tight competition with Angel Reese’s performance keeping the Sky in playoff contention. Reese’s impressive stats included 14 double-doubles in 20 games and setting a single-season total rebound record. Unfortunately, the No. 7 draft pick’s fortunes changed in the second half of the season due to a wrist injury, effectively knocking her out of the Rookie of the Year race.
Despite the publicity surrounding the Rookie of the Year competition, both Clark and Reese emphasized the importance of winning games over individual accolades. Clark would become the third consecutive No. 1 pick to win top rookie honors, a testament to her undeniable talent. Despite her phenomenal maiden season, Clark believes she still has a lot of room for improvement and is just ‘scratching the surface’ of her potential.
Apart from Clark’s impressive accolades, league sources also revealed that Napheesa Collier was named the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Coached by Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx defense team led by Collier, had an outstanding season resulting in the team finishing the year first in opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point percentage, and opponent assist rate. Collier’s versatility was a significant factor in the team’s success, and she was also pivotal in games against top competition.
Collier’s exemplary performance took the Minnesota Lynx to the playoffs, beating the Phoenix Mercury in the first round. If the Lynx win their fifth title this postseason, they would become the team with the most titles won by an active WNBA franchise, surpassing Seattle Storm. The semifinal series against the third-seeded Connecticut Sun looks set to be a thrilling encounter.
