The 2024 WNBA draft class was one of the most anticipated groups of rookies in league history.
And now they are recording their names in the history books.
On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark's 19 assists set a WNBA single-game record. Last week, she became the first rookie in league history to record a triple-double.
Angel Reese is also off to a historic start to her rookie season. She set a WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles, a streak that ended Saturday at 15.
We've been following the performances of the top rookies every game day this season, and we'll continue to do so on Saturday starting with the All-Star Break and when the league resumes on Aug. 15.
Last updated: July 17
Guard | 6 feet | Game log | Stats
Last Exit: On offense, Wednesday might have been Clark’s most impressive game yet, as she set a WNBA single-game record with 19 assists in the Fever’s 101-93 loss to the last-place Wings. Prior to Wednesday, there had only been one other WNBA game with 20 points and 15 assists: Courtney Vandersloot in 2018.
Clark also scored 24 points, which is a WNBA single-game record of 66 points. The former No. 1 overall pick now has three 20-point, 10-assist games; all other rookies in league history combined have one.
Up next: Clark is 13 assists away from setting the single-season assists record for a rookie, which he will likely accomplish shortly after play resumes Aug. 15 following the Olympic break.
What we learned: Clark understands the bigger picture — she and Indiana have developed great chemistry over the past month — but it was apparent she was beating herself up after the game for how she and the Fever let this game slip away from them. While she acknowledged that Indiana and Dallas gave the crowd and fans watching from home an entertaining game to officially conclude the first half of the regular season, Clark knew they could have gone into the Olympic break on a high note. But they had too many turnovers (including an untimely one by her in the final minute) and played poor defense at times.
The Fever know there is little margin for error in the league as they seek their first playoff appearance since 2016, and they will have to play a full 40 minutes going forward.
The Olympic break comes at a great time for Indiana to take some time away from basketball and then get back on the practice court, where the Fever can fine-tune things before their final 14 games of the regular season. Alexa Philippou
Until next time: WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
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Angel Reese scores a decisive basket for Sky
Angel Reese's layup with a minute and a half left gives the Sky a seven-point lead.
Forward | 1.90 m | Game record | Statistics
Last Exit: Angel Reese recorded her 17th double-double of the season in the Chicago Sky's 93-85 upset win over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Her double-double total (currently leading the WNBA) is tied with Candace Parker (2008) and Yolanda Griffith (1999) for the second-most by a first-year player in WNBA history. Only Tina Charles (22 in 2010) has more double-doubles.
What we learned: It was a big win for the Sky heading into the WNBA All-Star Game and the Olympic break. Reese's 13 points and 10 rebounds were important, of course. But the Sky's star in Las Vegas was guard Chennedy Carter, who scored a game-high 34 points on 14-of-24 shooting. The 93 points are the Sky's highest total in a single game this season (the previous high was 90 against New York on May 23). According to ESPN Stats & Information, Chicago snapped a seven-game losing streak against Las Vegas.
Until next time: WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Center | 6 feet 7 inches | Game record | Stats
Last Exit: In 30 minutes against the Aces, Kamilla Cardoso was relatively quiet offensively. The rookie center scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. The Sky led by as many as 20 points in the game before the Aces rallied to make the game interesting in the fourth quarter. Cardoso was matched up at center against WNBA MVP favorite A'ja Wilson, who finished the night with 28 points in the loss.
What we learned: It was Las Vegas' fourth loss as a double-digit favorite this season. The Aces closed at -13.5 on ESPN BET.
Until next time: vs. Phoenix Mercury on August 15 (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Forward | 1.88 m | Game record | Statistics
Last Exit: The Storm cruised to an 89-83 victory on the high-scoring matinee in Los Angeles. Jewell Loyd had her 25th career 30-point game, fifth most in WNBA history, breaking a tie with Maya Moore, who had 24 career 30-point games. Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson had 16 points but struggled from the field. The forward shot just 6-of-17 and 1-of-5 from 3-point range.
What we learned: The Storm, who improved to 17-8, and the Sparks appear to be headed in opposite directions. Los Angeles, which fell to 6-18 on the season, had no answer for Loyd. Loyd is fifth in the league in scoring at 19.7 points per game. That said, Jackson, the Tennessee forward, filled out the stat line with 6 rebounds and 4 assists to go along with her points.
Until next time: vs. New York Liberty on Aug. 19 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
