Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese: WNBA Rookie Comparison!

Robin Lundberg | Jun 21, 2024

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been pitted against each other for some unecessary reasons. But there is nothing wrong with comparing them basketball wise based on their respective WNBA rookie seasons. And what better time to do so then when both are playing well heading into the third matchup between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, a game that has become the most expensive ticket in league history.

This just in from the #WNBA

The #IndianaFever-#ChicagoSky game on Father’s Day was the “most-watched WNBA game on any network in 23 years.”

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who are both 22, weren’t even born yet the last time a WNBA game pulled in these kind of numbers. pic.twitter.com/1jy9jxuiDf

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 18, 2024

The two play different positions and have vastly different games. So there is no direct comparison. However, let's take a trip through the box score to see how they stack up against one another so far.

1. Points

Clark has the advantage when it comes to scoring in a number of ways, with the average for Caitlin being 16.3 to 12.4 for Angel. First, it is a bigger part of Clark's job description. But even considering roles it is worth pointing out that CC is shooting a higher percentage from the floor despite taking many deep shots, while the bulk of Reese's opportunities are coming near the rim.

2. Rebounds

This is Angel's speciality. Reese trails only A'ja Wilson in rebounds per game and leads the entire league in offensive boards, good for a total of nearly 11 a game. But for a guard Clark is no slouch on the glass, as she is currently ranked 21st in the WNBA in that category snaring 5.5 a contest.

3. Assists

Like was the case for Reese with rebounding, this is Clark's category. Caitlin is 4th in the league in assists dishing out over 6 dimes per game. While Reese has shown some strong passing ability, she obviously isn't a playmaker in the same way and is totaling 2.1 assists.

4. Blocks

Surprisingly Clark has the significant advantage here. Reese is versatile defensively but isn't much of a shot blocker on the interior, with just 2 total rejections on the season. Caitlin is totaling about a block per game, good for 16th in the WNBA.

5. Steals

On the flip side, this is another area where Angel excels. Reese is actually tied for 5th in the league in thefts with nearly 2 steals a game. Clark is solid in this category as well averaging 1.4 herself.

Numbers never tell the entire story and this doesn't even delve into advanced statistics. However, when considering the defensive attention she's seen, it's fairly remarkable that Clark has been effective as she has been, while making an impact on every area of the game.

Caitlin Clark this season:

16.3 PPG
5.5 RPG
6.2 APG

Every player that has averaged 15/5/5 has made an All-WNBA team in the same season. pic.twitter.com/j15kOQ3lwM

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 20, 2024

She is currently in the top 25 in all of the statistical categories above and it is now coming in wins for the Fever. It's a credit to Reese that this is even considered a competition, as her tenacity has led to a rookie record 7 consecutive double-doubles and generated plenty of conversation.

This is why Angel Reese will be a star in this league. You can’t teach heart and you can’t teach effort pic.twitter.com/673MKA0YEj

— LANI ❦ (@___lovelani) June 20, 2024

One other number should probably sum up the race though, and that is the betting odds. Clark is up to a -3000 favorite with some books while Reese is hovering around +1000. Meaning the money says it is close to a lock that Caitlin Clark will be hoisting the WNBA Rookie of the Year trophy come season's end.