As the WNBA regular season winds down with just seven games remaining, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has solidified her position as the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. The competition between the 22-year-old and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky was once neck and neck, but Clark now seems to have pulled ahead significantly. Caitlin Clark has impressed so much that she is now being seen as a potential MVP this season.
Lakers Champion Feels Caitlin Clark Should Be in Surprising Award Discussion
Post-Olympics Renaissance
Since returning from a month-long Olympic break, Clark has posted astonishing statistics in seven games, averaging 24.6 points on 47.6 percent shooting, five rebounds, nine assists, and one steal per game. Additionally, she’s been exceptional from beyond the arc, averaging 4.0 three-pointers per game on a 40.8 percent shooting clip.
More crucially, Clark has led the Fever to six victories in their last seven outings, bringing their record to 17-16. This marks the first time Indiana has climbed above .500 this season, placing them sixth in the WNBA standings.
How Did Clark Become the Clear ROTY Favorite?
Reese and Clark have both had standout rookie seasons, making their Rookie of the Year race compelling. Reese started strong, averaging 13.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Her versatility and impact on the court initially made her a top contender. However, Reese faced challenges, including injuries and team chemistry issues, which affected her consistency.
In contrast, Clark quickly found her footing and maintained exceptional performance throughout the season. Her superior shooting and playmaking, particularly after the Olympic break, helped her pull ahead. Reese’s struggles with team dynamics and injuries allowed Clark to gain the edge. Clark’s consistency, health, and ability to influence games positively impacted her Rookie of the Year chances. Meanwhile, Reese’s performance, although impressive, couldn’t keep pace due to her challenges. Clark’s contributions to the Fever’s success, including their winning streak, positioned her as the frontrunner. Reese’s early-season dominance gave way to Clark’s sustained performance, making the Rookie of the Year race no longer as close.
Caitlin Clark for MVP?
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance has garnered widespread praise from both fans and analysts. There is even growing speculation that the former Iowa standout could be in the running for MVP.
Lemmy see if I got this strait…Best Gard in the WNBA…Leeds leeg in points scored/assisted…Has taken the WORST team in the leeg to solid PLAYOFF contender…Leeds leeg in assists…and then there’s this…Game attendance avrage WITH Caitlin?15,000…NO Caitlin? 8,000.Thats MVP 2 ME
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) September 3, 2024
One notable supporter of Clark’s MVP potential is former Los Angeles Lakers star Mychal Thompson. On Monday, the two-time NBA champion expressed his thoughts on Twitter (formerly X), making a bold claim regarding Clark’s MVP credentials.
“Let me see if I got this straight,” Thompson wrote. “…Best guard in the WNBA… Leads league in points scored/assisted… Has taken the WORST team in the league to solid PLAYOFF contender… Leads league in assists… and then there’s this… Game attendance average WITH Caitlin? 15,000… NO Caitlin? 8,000. That’s MVP to ME.”
Thompson, who is the father of five-time NBA All-Star Klay Thompson, made several valid points. He highlighted not only Clark’s impressive statistics but also her significant impact on game attendance. Fan attendance isn’t an official criterion for the MVP award, but it’s an element that certainly can’t be overlooked.
The Last Word
While Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson remains the favorite to win her third MVP title this season, it’s unlikely that Clark will unseat her this year. However, it seems inevitable that Caitlin Clark will eventually claim her first WNBA MVP trophy in the near future.
