The 2024 WNBA season has witnessed a new group of newcomers making a notable difference on their individual teams. This week’s CBS Sports WNBA Rookie Rankings feature the impressive performances and emerging talents, with Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky securing the top position. Reese has achieved this top position due to her impressive skills in all aspects of the game and her reliability on both offense and defense.
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Angel Reese
Angel Reese, who previously played for LSU, has been a dominant presence for the Chicago Sky. She grabbed attention lately by becoming the first WNBA player this season to achieve double-doubles with five or more steals in two straight games. Reese’s capability to contribute in various aspects of the game has been essential for the Sky.
Although Reese struggled with shooting (5-for-17) in the Sky’s 79-71 win against the Washington Mystics on Thursday, she still recorded 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and a season-high five steals. She is the top player in offensive rebounds in the league due to her constant hard work on the boards.
Reese has had an impressive season, achieving four double-doubles, three of which occurred in the last week. She has consistently scored in double figures in eight out of her ten games. Her skills in defense and ability to grab rebounds have proven to be extremely important for the Sky.
Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark continues to impress fans with her exciting performance. Clark had an impressive showing in Friday’s 85-83 victory over the Mystics, netting 30 points with a 53.8% field goal percentage, including a personal best of seven three-pointers. This game was her second in the WNBA where she scored 30 points, highlighting her talent for scoring.
WNBA Rookie Rankings: Sky’s Angel Reese rises to top spot, Fever’s Caitlin Clark dazzles vs. Mystics https://t.co/96FhhZZhGA
— WNBA on Scoreboard Page (@WNBAonSP) June 11, 2024
Aside from her points scored, Clark also added eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals, despite committing eight turnovers. Although there were turnovers, her performance was crucial in ensuring the Fever’s win. Clark’s energetic style of play has generated enthusiasm and attracted new followers to the sport, establishing her as a significant player in the WNBA’s expansion.
Nevertheless, similar to numerous novices, Clark has experienced highs and lows. She had a tough time in Monday’s game against the Connecticut Sun, scoring just 10 points and facing foul issues in the third quarter while going up against Dijonai Carrington in the 89-72 defeat. In spite of these difficulties, Clark’s ability and influence on the court are unquestionable.
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Rickea Jackson
Rickea Jackson is now known as a reliable player for the Los Angeles Sparks. During the game against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Jackson scored seven points in the fourth quarter, matching her career high of 16 points and aiding in the Sparks’ most significant victory of the season. She made 63.6% of her shots and also contributed with five rebounds, one assist, and one block in 23 minutes on the court.
Jackson’s calmness and skill in analyzing the defense have been essential for the Sparks. She is able to score effectively from all areas of the court, making her a valuable player in close match-ups. “After the win, Jackson expressed his desire to simply emerge victorious,” he said. I believe that this team consistently shows up and consistently puts in the effort daily. I’m incredibly thankful to be in Los Angeles.
Cameron Brink
Despite early career struggles with foul trouble, Cameron Brink has displayed moments of brilliance for the Sparks. She got her first career foul out in the Sparks’ 86-62 defeat to the Minnesota Lynx, but bounced back with her initial double-double against the Dallas Wings, scoring 10 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, making two steals, and blocking three shots.
Brink kept up her strong performance against the Aces, adding eight points, six rebounds, and five blocks to her stat line. Her exceptional defensive skills stand out, with her average of 2.8 blocks per game ranking as the third highest in the league. Brink’s ability to dominate defensively and impact the game inside is becoming increasingly noticeable with each match.
Aaliyah Edwards
Aaliyah Edwards, a forward for the Washington Mystics, has risen to the fifth spot in the Rookie Rankings due to her impressive recent play. In spite of the Mystics’ difficulties, Edwards has stood out, scoring an average of 14 points and grabbing more than 10 rebounds per game in the last week.
Edwards had her top performance versus the Sky, scoring a personal best 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting, in addition to grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking four shots. In the next game, she added another ten points and grabbed twelve rebounds, but the team still lost by a small margin to the Fever. Edwards’ progression and additional playing time indicate that she will remain a crucial part of the Mystics team.
Anticipated Games and Predictions
In the coming week, there will be thrilling games, one of which is the much-anticipated showdown between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky on Sunday at noon ET on CBS. Supporters are keen on witnessing these new players display their skills and influence the league further.
As these new players continue through the season, they will encounter fresh obstacles and chances for development. Their team success is impacted by their performances which also play a role in the WNBA’s growing popularity and competitive environment. There is a promising future ahead for these young talents, as they are already making an impact in the league.