“They rise to the occasion.” If there’s anything that could define WNBA’s hottest rookies to date, it will be this. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have raised the limits of every competition while delivering to the expectations. The 2024 WNBA All-Star was just an example of how the two can change the fates of whichever teams they join. However, what about their personal aim to become the Rookie of the Year?

Certainly, these two have time and again proven how their team’s growth and success matter to them more. Still, that has never stopped them from amassing a plethora of awards in their name. For Angel Reese, it will be the 15 consecutive double-doubles that set her apart. On the other hand, Caitlin Clark has immaculate passes which makes everyone question, “How did she see that?” Even her own teammates at times! But what can we see from these two in the second half as the ROTY race gets even hotter?

According to ESPN analyst Andraya Carter, it is, “Continued greatness.” But for the ROTY race, Carter spoke on the WNBA Today, “The biggest difference in the Rookie of the Year race will be how their teams perform. The Fever got hot right towards the end of that break. Their chemistry, they were gelling.”

After opening the season with just one win in nine games, Fever went on to accumulate 4 consecutive wins one and a half months in and then some. Winning three of their last 5 games before the Olympic break, the team brought up their record to 11-15.

Sky, on the other hand, with their new coach, started the campaign with 2 wins in the first three games. Though a few stumbles in the process, they aren’t far behind with 10-14. They also ended the first half with a win but had to trade their guard and team’s second-leading scorer, Marina Mabrey upon request, soon after. This could impact the team Carter adds.

“Chicago had great chemistry, in my opinion. And then they made a big-time trade. That could impact their team when they traded away Marina Mabrey.” She further spoke, “So, how their teams play and perform could come into that Rookie of the Year discussion. We will see. So, still some questions on the teams. No questions on Caitlin and Angel. I expect them to be great.”

Let us compare apples to apples with their stats.

Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese: A ROTY case for the two superstars

Without a doubt, both the lottery picks from the 2024 WNBA draft have outperformed most of the players that came before them. Coming into the professional league, they both have broken records in half of the seasons that the former rookies set in their entire seasons. Hence, Andraya Carter is correct to say why she expects that to continue.

As for their personal numbers, in the next two games, Caitlin Clark is on pace to set a new rookie assists mark. She is trailing Ticha Penicheiro (1998) by just 12 assists and is currently averaging a league-high 8.2 assists. Because of her high points created for the team, the Indiana Fever is on the seventh playoff seed going into an easier schedule. She is also only nine 3-pointers behind to set a new Rookie record for that as well and leave Rhyne Howard behind.

Angel Reese has already made history with 15 consecutive double-doubles, leaving Candace Parker in the dust. She is also doing great on the board with 11.9 rpg so far. If she continues that, she will have the best rookie season for most rebounds per game stat. Tina Charles with 11.7 rpg holds this since 2010. Reese has also been a great defensive force for her team and the Chicago Sky currently stands as the eighth playoff seed.

Whatever the outcome, the two rookies have made their case and will continue to do so. 14 more games to go, one against each other, more if playoff allows, and we may find the end to the debate.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.