As expected, A’ja Wilson is the 2024 WNBA MVP. But another name in the conversation was Caitlin Clark, who fans believe is a surefire winner for Rookie of the Year. But the Indiana Fever rookie also placed 4th in the MVP voting list, behind Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. However, as Clark keeps saying and has reiterated once again, she’s not paying attention to individual awards.

“I mean, it’s cool. But at the same time, I don’t really care,” the Fever guard told the press. “My life is very unaffected by that. I’m just gonna go out there and help my team – obviously our goal was to get to the playoffs but you know, I have a belief that we can come in and win this series, but approaching it one game at a time.”

The Fever will take on the dominant Connecticut Sun later today in a highly anticipated clash, as the seasoned playoff veterans will play against relative newbies from Indiana (except for Kelsey Mitchell of course). But CC is certain of her team’s prowess, as she said, “I think that’s where my focus is but obviously, pretty night and day from where we first started. So I think that’s something to be proud of and to find confidence in.”

Interestingly, per StatMamba, “Caitlin Clark is the youngest player to finish top 5 in MVP voting since Candace Parker (2008).” Well, Parker was the first and last W player to win both ROTY and MVP, but CC is not quite there yet. Even so, Clark has been named the AP Rookie of the Year, while the WNBA is expected to do the same at a later date. But even for this award, Clark had a similar response about not caring about individual awards.

In a post-game conference on August 31, Clark stated, “That’s a selfish thing to just care about an individual award.” She also added that she was sure her rival in Chicago would give the exact same answer, that both players were focused first and foremost on their team wins.

“You don’t wake up and think about individual awards. I know that’s what all of you think we do. I know we don’t, like, that’s what everybody wants to make this about.”

While the Fever made it as the 6th seed to the postseason, the Sky’s campaign unfortunately ended without a postseason berth. There are still concerns over whether Indiana will be able to make it past the first round. And will Caitlin Clark bring a fairytale end to a fairytale season in October.

Either way, fans remain impressed with CC’s achievements, and the Fever coach has added to the discourse around Caitlin Clark’s MVP achievements.

“She’s one of the reasons we’re here today,” Christie Sides says of Caitlin Clark

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that Caitlin Clark’s name was being taken in MVP conversations. While it was clear that surpassing A’ja Wilson would be tough, the Fever rookie still impressively made it to the top 5. Indiana HC Christie Sides also mentioned Elena Delle Donne, whom Sides had coached. But she still believes that “Caitlin is special.”

Sides told the media today, “Everybody knows that, she’s been special. She came into the best league in the world, the best women’s basketball league in the world. She found her footing. She’s continued to get better. She’s put herself in position to be called one of the best players in the league. That’s incredible for a rookie.”

The head coach finished her statement with, “She’s unique. She’s one of the reasons we’re here today.” And indeed, this is the first time since 2016 that the Fever will be in the playoffs, in some part courtesy of Caitlin Clark’s impressive three points and assists.

Now whenever the ROTY award is announced, you might find CC’s teammates and loved ones celebrating. But the way Clark is going, she is focused on one thing and one thing alone – her first-ever postseason and how she can help her team win.