Today, August 31st, is set to be one of the most important days in history—not just because it’s the final battle between arch-rivals Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, but due to the game’s popularity among spectators, driving them to arenas. For fans, it’s likely due to the record-breaking competition between the rookies in the Rookie of the Year race. However, that’s not how it’s perceived by either Clark or Reese.

On August 31st, in a pregame conference, Caitlin Clark opened up about her views on the Rookie of the Year race. “I mean, I think Angel was supposed to give the same answer. Like, you don’t wake up and think about individual awards,” revealed the Indiana Fever rookie. For the 22-year-old Iowa native, it was never about claiming individual records and the same goes for Chicago Sky standout Angel Reese.

Despite breaking several records on the go, both of them claim they are doing it for the playoff spots. “We don’t either care about the Rookie of the Year… I think you guys have made it a big thing,” nodded Chi-Town Barbie to her arch-rival on the court, Caitlin Clark. The perspective about both players didn’t just start here in the WNBA; it’s something that has continued from their collegiate days.

“That was the same story for us when we were in college… (individual awards) that’s not fun, and that’s not being a good teammate,” revealed Clark. Every time Clark has hit the hardwood against Angel Reese, be it in the WNBA or collegiate sports, the game has been a hit. Especially today’s matchup—it has broken historical records by selling out the most expensive tickets for a Wintrust Arena contest.

According to TickPick, the average ticket price for today’s game was set at $334. Simply put, this indicates that people are willing to empty their wallets to catch a glimpse of Reese and Clark’s final game. This has been the hype around the two rivals throughout the season. But the question still remains: who’s going to be ROTY?

The battle between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark continues to host interest

The first half of the WNBA season has had everything—from criticism, and flagrant 1 fouls, to record-breaking moments. From rivalry to becoming teammates. But ultimately, there will only be one contender claiming the title of Rookie of the Year. Since the beginning, both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have been standouts.

Every time Angel Reese tried to get ahead, the Indiana Fever rookie has ensured to stand toe-to-toe with her. For Angel Reese, her double-doubles streak has been a standout. With every possible addition to this streak, she’s getting closer to the ROTY title. She already holds the record for being the first rookie with the most double-doubles in WNBA history.

In just four months till August, she’s quickly established herself as the league’s leading rebounder with an impressive 12.9 per game. For context, her current average is the highest in WNBA history. Well, Clark’s no less, if not even better. She entered Wintrust Arena today as a record holder for the first triple-double triumph as a rookie.

It seems record-breaking is becoming a habit for her. She has replaced her name in records for assists, three-pointers, and assists in a single game. And this is what makes her a standout and more than a mere “effect” in the WNBA. The cherry on top is her defending arch-rival Reese with a broad smile on her face, claiming that they are not doing it for individual records. What do you think? Comment down below!