The WNBA is back after a monthlong break for the Olympics. All eyes are on the playoff push with five weeks remaining in the regular season.
But the most anticipated draft class in league history also continues to draw attention. Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in April, hopes to lead the Indiana Fever back to the postseason for the first time since 2016. And Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso hope to lead their Chicago Sky to the playoffs as well.
Clark and Reese have already etched their names into the record books this season. Clark set the WNBA single-game record with 19 assists, and she is the first rookie in league history to tally a triple-double. Reese set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles (15).
We’ll continue to track the top rookie performances every game day throughout the season.
Last updated: Aug. 18
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Caitlin Clark thanks ref for technical foul
Caitlin Clark was confused by her technical foul, which came out of frustration with herself, but notes she and the Fever played better after the tech.
Guard | 6-foot | Game log | Stats | Watch: First-half recap
Last time out: Clark had 9 assists Sunday to reach 232 this season, breaking the 26-year-old WNBA rookie season record of 224 set by Ticha Penicheiro in 1998. Clark also had 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks as the Fever beat the Seattle Storm 92-75 in Indianapolis.
Clark and fellow guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull combined for 72 of the Fever’s points, as Indiana made 15 of 31 3-point attempts.
Clark complimented her teammates’ ability to play well with her out of the pick and roll and in transition. Clark is leading the WNBA with 8.3 assists per game and has 12 regular-season games left. If she keeps this pace, she could top the overall season assist record of 316, set last year by the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas.
What we learned: Clark in just 28 career WNBA games has set both the rookie season assist record and the single-game assist record (19). The Fever (13-15) also have matched their victory total from last season.
If there is one negative Clark will have to keep in mind, it’s technical fouls. She picked up her fifth of the season Sunday for punching the basketball stanchion in frustration after missing a 3-point shot. Getting seven technical fouls in a season results in a one-game suspension, so Clark now will get a letter from the league warning her she’s getting close.
“I got a technical for basically being mad at myself,” Clark said. “[The ref] told me it was disrespectful to the game of basketball. I’m a competitor, and I felt like I should have been making more shots.”
Then Clark added with a grin, “I think he fired me up to continue to play a lot harder. I thought we got a lot better after he did that, so I want to thank him for that.”
Fever coach Christie Sides said she doesn’t want Clark to lose her competitive intensity, but that she will talk to her about the necessity of avoiding any more technicals.
“We’re gonna have a conversation; I don’t need Caitlin to have to sit out a game,” Sides said. “She’s just a fiery competitor. I don’t want to take that away from her.” — Michael Voepel
Up next: at Minnesota Lynx on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Forward | 6-foot-2 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Jackson finished with a team-high 15 points, one of three Sparks to score in double figures in their 87-71 road loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. The game marked one of Jackson’s most efficient games of the season (7-for-11 shooting from field) and her fifth consecutive double-digit scoring game, the longest stretch of her pro career. The rookie added 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 block, though she committed four of L.A.’s 21 turnovers.
What we learned: In their two wins over Las Vegas earlier this season, the Sparks scored at least 90 points. But after a disappointing loss to New York on Saturday, the Aces came out Sunday more locked in defensively, holding L.A. to just 71 points. Even with a solid outing from Jackson, it was the fewest points the Sparks — who shot 40.3% — have put up against the defending champs in the season series (and was one of their lowest-scoring games of the summer).
A bright spot: Los Angeles’ ability to win the fast-break battle (17-5), with Jackson playing a part with her ability to get in transition. — Alexa Philippou
Up next: at Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in Boston (7 p.m. ET)
Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: After a tough re-start to the WNBA season on Thursday — a 20-point loss at home to Phoenix — the Sky rallied for a 90-86 road victory at Los Angeles on Saturday. Reese got her 19th double-double, moving her closer to Tina Charles’ rookie record of 22 set in 2010. Reese had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.
As was the case Thursday, her shooting percentage was a concern: Reese was 4 of 13 against the Sparks after going 4 of 14 vs. the Mercury. In the Sky’s last five games, dating to before the Olympic break, Reese is 20 of 67 from the field (29.9%). That’s an area of her game she knows must continue to improve.
What we learned: The Sky trailed 74-64 at the end of the third quarter but were able to outscore the Sparks 26-12 in the final period. Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso each had 6 points in the fourth quarter. The victory moves Chicago to 11-15 overall and helps the Sky keep pace in the playoff race, where they currently have the eighth and final spot. — Michael Voepel
Up next: at Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (9 p.m. ET)
Center | 6-foot-7 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Cardoso had her fourth double-double of the year with 15 points and a season-best 14 rebounds in the Sky’s 90-86 win at Los Angeles on Saturday. She was 6 of 9 from the field and had 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. She is 11 of 17 shooting (64.7%) in her two games since the Olympic break.
What we learned: After Thursday’s frustrating loss to Phoenix, the Sky were in a tough position, trailing by 10 points on the road going into the final quarter Saturday.
But Sky rookies Cardoso and Reese buckled down and played well in the fourth period. It’s gritty victories like this that can make all the difference in securing a playoff spot. — Voepel
Up next: at Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (9 p.m. ET)
