The Chicago Sky forward set the record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, center, listens to Marina Mabrey, left, with Diamond DeShields during a WNBA basketball gameAP
Since the arrival of rookiesAngel Reese with the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever, the WNBA has experienced some of its best months ever in terms of ratings, arena attendance, jersey sales, and social media engagement. While the league already boasted exceptional players like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Brittney Griner, the addition of these two rookies, especially Clark, has sparked a significant positive impact.
Although Caitlin Clark might be the more popular of the two, Angel Reese has made a strong case for the Rookie of the Year award. Her most notable achievement is setting a league record of 15 consecutive games with a double-double, which ended yesterday against the New York Liberty (20-4). In that same game, a Chicago Sky fan (9-14) brought a Reese-inspired Barbie doll, complete with her jersey number (5), highlighting her growing influence.
Formerly known as “Chi-town Barbie” and “Bayou Barbie” during her college years, nicknames that reflected her on-court talent and vibrant personality, Reese’s new nickname in the league has become “League Barbie.” While this moniker may not strike fear into opponents, as long as Reese continues to deliver impressive performances and lead her team to victories, it will solidify her presence in the league, as evidenced by the fan’s tribute.
Apparently a season ticket holder made this Angel Reese Barbie.
Wondering if Mattel is cooking something up 👀 pic.twitter.com/fLP4xOss7g
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) July 13, 2024
The Race for Rookie of the Year
The WNBA’s future looks bright with these two outstanding rookies, and fans are eager to see how they will continue to shape the league.
In a tight battle for the Rookie of the Year award between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, both players have shown the mentality of seasoned veterans despite only being in the league for two months. Reese, in 23 games, averages 13.5 points per game (PPG) and leads the league with 12 rebounds per game (RPG) in just over 31 minutes of play. On the other hand, Clark, in 24 games, averages 16.8 PPG, leads the league with 7.8 assists per game (APG), and contributes 5.9 RPG.
Caitlin Clark is the first @WNBA player ever to have 25+ points, 10+ assists, 5+ rebounds, 5+ steals, and 5+ three-pointers in a game 👀 pic.twitter.com/8S5DwBZ4al
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 10, 2024
Clark seems to have a stronger chance of winning the award due to her significant impact on her team’s performance, as she completely commands the team’s offense. With a month-long break starting this Wednesday for the All-Star game and the Olympics, the second half of the season promises to be highly competitive. The names of Clark and Reese will undoubtedly be frequently mentioned as the race heats up.
For the first time since 2008, two WNBA rookies are currently leading in one of the five major statistical categories among all WNBA players:
Angel Reese — 1st in Rebounds
Caitlin Clark — 1st in Assists— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) July 14, 2024
Team Canada Basketball: A Complete Schedule of Games at Paris Olympics 2024
Team Canada ((Image source: X/ Canada Basketball)
The men’s basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to take place from July 27 to August 11. Team Canada, drawn into Group A, has a challenging yet exciting schedule ahead as they aim for glory on the international stage.
Canada will kick off their campaign on July 27 with a game against Greece. The first test for the Canadian team in their quest for Olympic success is scheduled for 12 PM MT (9:00 PM local time).
Team Canada’s second game in the group phase will be against Australia on July 30. This early morning match will start at 4:30 AM MST (1:30 PM local time). Canada will conclude the group phase with a match against Spain on August 2.
This game, scheduled for 8:15 AM MST (5:15 PM local time), will play a crucial role in determining Canada’s position as they strive to advance to the knockout stages.
Canada will play all their group phase games at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
Should Team Canada advance past the group phase, the men’s quarterfinals will begin on August 6 (Day 11). The tournament will then move to the Bercy Arena in Paris for the elimination stages.
