While Chandler Clark scores 30 points, Angel Reed records the first double-double in WNBA history, but not enough to win.
Caitlin Clark put up a historic stat-line for a rookie in a season-best display against the Los Angeles Sparks, but it was in vain as the Indiana Fever fell to a seventh defeat in eight, albeit in a gruelling two-week schedule.
It was a night of firsts for the WNBA’s two newest superstars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, but both of their efforts were in vain as the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, respectively, continued poor starts to the season.
First overall pick Clark and No. 7 choice Reese have stolen the headlines in the pro game since the 2024 draft, following an incredible college career in which the two became rivals.
Clark ended her time at Iowa as the all-time top scorer in NCAA Division I basketball, as well as being twice named player of the year. Reese had the edge on a team level, though, leading Louisiana State to a championship victory over Iowa.
Ogunbowale and Billings lead Wings to victory, McBride stars again for LynxOgunbowale and Billings lead Wings to victory, McBride stars again for Lynx
On Tuesday evening, the Chicago Sky forward put up 11 points and 12 rebounds (equally split across offence and defence), as her side fell 77-68 to the Seattle Storm.
There was only a point in it at half-time, but the Storm put up a big third quarter to take an unassailable lead, which sees them move to a winning record (4-3) for the first time in two years.
Skylar Diggins-Smith top-scored with 21 and Jewell Lloyd added 19 for the hosts, condemning the north-westerners to a third defeat in five games.
However, Reese was a bright spark on another dull night, continuing her streak of hitting double-figures in every game. She also became the fastest rookie to hit a double-double this term – doing so one game quicker than Clark.
The Fever, meanwhile, continued a horrendous start which sees them as the second-worst team in the league, now falling to 1-7.
It does, however, come with the caveat of Indiana being handed a brutal kickoff schedule in which they have played eight times in just 14 days – far from ideal circumstances to gel a new-look starting five in practice.
Kia Nurse (22 points) and Aari McDonald (21) were the stars on the night for the Los Angeles Sparks, who built an early lead and held on for an 88-82 victory on the road.
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Clark, though, wrote her name in the history books with a stellar 30-point display. She became the first rookie in WNBA history to put up that total along with three blocks and three steals.
The 22-year-old said post-game: “I think I just played with an aggressive mindset. I think that was the biggest thing – to play downhill the best I could.
“We did some good things and then we just kind of shot ourselves in the foot.”
After one more midweek game, Clark and Reese will face off in the most hotly-anticipated match-up of 2024 so far. Indiana v Chicago is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ at 17:00 BST on Saturday.
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