Following her remarkable performance during the 2024 WNBA season, Caitlin Clark has been awarded the league’s Rookie of the Year, according to sources from The Athletic on Friday.
Clark’s win was expected given her outstanding debut season. She set records for the most assists in a single season and game in the WNBA. Additionally, she scored the most points ever by a rookie and a point guard. Clark also achieved the first rookie double-double and the first triple-double by a Fever player.
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These are just a few of her accomplishments, as she averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game, with even better numbers in the second half of the season. Her performance led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, with a seven-game improvement in wins.
Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, lived up to the hype surrounding her arrival in the league. As a standout player at Iowa, she broke records and led her team to two Final Four appearances.
While dazzling fans and challenging opponents, Clark also played a significant role in the WNBA’s growth. The league saw record viewership with six games featuring the Fever. Attendance in Indianapolis reached an all-time high, making Indiana the attendance leader for the first time.
However, Friday’s news focused on Clark’s on-court success rather than her off-court impact.
“She’s been special,” said Indiana coach Christie Sides. “She has established herself as one of the best players in the league, which is incredible for a rookie.”
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Collier wins DPOY award
The Minnesota Lynx showcased one of the top defenses in the WNBA throughout the season, culminating in Napheesa Collier being named the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Collier played a pivotal role in the Lynx’s defensive success, finishing first in several defensive categories. Her versatility in guarding opponents’ frontcourt players and providing crucial help was instrumental in the Lynx’s achievements.
Finishing second in steals and eighth in blocks, Collier’s defensive impact was evident, with opponents shooting only 34.3% against her, per Synergy Sports.
The Lynx, winners of four WNBA titles, will be seeking their fifth championship this postseason, aiming to break a tie with the Seattle Storm for most titles won by an active franchise.
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