The WNBA is back after a month-long Olympic break. With five weeks to go before the end of the regular season, all eyes are on the final stretch of the playoffs.
But the most eagerly awaited draft class in league history also continues to attract attention. Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in April, hopes to lead the Indiana Fever to the playoffs 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 secured their place in the record books this season. Clark set the WNBA single-game record with 19 assists and is the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double. Reese set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles (15).
We will continue to follow the performances of the best rookies on every matchday throughout the season.
Last updated: August 18
0:49
Caitlin Clark thanks referee for technical foul
Caitlin Clark was confused by her technical foul, which came out of frustration with herself, but notes that she and the Fever played better after the technical foul.
Guard | 6 foot | Game log | Stats | Watch: First half recap
Last time: Clark had 9 assists on Sunday, bringing her total to 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 defeated the Seattle Storm 92-75 in Indianapolis.
Clark and teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull combined for 72 of the Fever's points, while Indiana made 15 of 31 3-point attempts.
Clark praised her teammates for their ability to play well with her out of the pick and roll and in transition. Clark leads the WNBA with 8.3 assists per game with 12 regular-season games left. If she keeps up that pace, she could surpass the total assist record of 316 set last year by Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun.
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What we learned: Clark set both the rookie season assist record and the single-game assist record (19) in just 28 WNBA games. The Fever (13-15) also matched their win total from last season.
If there's one negative thing Clark has to keep in mind, it's technical fouls. On Sunday, she picked up her fifth foul of the season for punching the basketball post in frustration after missing a 3-pointer. Seven technical fouls in a season result in a one-game suspension, so Clark will now get a letter from the league warning her that she's about to receive one.
“I got a penalty because I was basically angry 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 shot more baskets.”
Then Clark added with a grin, “I think he inspired me to play a lot harder. I think 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 will talk to her about the need to avoid further technical errors.
“We'll talk about it. I don't want Caitlin to miss a game,” Sides said. “She's just a fiery fighter. I don't want to take that away from her.” – Michael Voepel
Next: at Minnesota Lynx on Saturday (8:00 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Striker | 1.88 m | Match report | Statistics
Last time: Jackson finished with a team-best 15 points, making her one of three Sparks to score in double figures in their 87-71 road loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. The game was one of Jackson's most efficient games of the season (shooting 7-of-11 from the field) and her fifth straight game of double-digit scoring, the longest stretch of her professional career. The rookie posted 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 block, though she was responsible for four of LA's 21 turnovers.
What we learned: The Sparks scored at least 90 points in their two wins against Las Vegas earlier this season. But after a disappointing loss to New York on Saturday, the Aces stepped up defensively on Sunday, holding LA to just 71 points. Despite a solid performance from Jackson, it was the fewest points the Sparks have scored against the defending champions this season – shooting 40.3% (and one of their lowest-scoring games of the summer).
One bright spot: Los Angeles' ability to win the fast break (17-5), helped by Jackson's ability to get into transition. – Alexa Philippou
Next: at Connecticut Sun on Tuesday in Boston (7 p.m. ET)
0:20
Angel Reese's layup seals the Chicago Sky's victory
Angel Reese's layup seals the Chicago Sky's victory
Striker | 1.90 m | Match report | Statistics
Last time: After a difficult restart to the WNBA season on Thursday – a 20-point loss at home to Phoenix – the Sky picked up a 90-86 road win in Los Angeles on Saturday. Reese recorded her 19th double-double, moving closer to Tina Charles' rookie record of 22 set in 2010. Reese had 14 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.
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As was the case Thursday, her shooting percentage was a concern: Reese hit 4 of 13 against the Sparks after hitting 4 of 14 against the Mercury. In the Sky's last five games dating back to before the Olympic break, Reese hit 20 of 67 shots (29.9%), an area of her game where she needs to continue to improve.
What we learned: The Sky trailed 74-64 at the end of the third quarter, but outscored the Sparks 26-12 in the final quarter. Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso each scored 6 points in the fourth quarter. The win moves Chicago to 11-15 and helps the Sky stay in the race for the playoffs, where they currently hold the eighth and final spot. – Michael Voepel
Next: on Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (9:00 p.m. ET)
Center | 2.01 m | Match report | Statistics
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Last time: Cardoso posted her fourth double-double of the year with 15 points and a season-high 14 rebounds in the Sky's 90-86 win at Los Angeles on Saturday. She made 6 of 9 shots and had 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. In her two games since the Olympic break, she made 11 of 17 shots (64.7%).
What we learned: After the frustrating loss to Phoenix on Thursday, the Sky found themselves in a difficult position: they were ten points behind away from home at the start of the final quarter on Saturday.
But Sky rookies Cardoso and Reese pulled themselves together and played well in the fourth period. It's tough wins like this that can make the difference in securing a playoff spot. – Voepel
Next: on Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (9:00 p.m. ET)
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