Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to unite at WNBA All-Star Game
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two standout WNBA rookies, were named to the league’s All-Star team on Tuesday, just three months after being drafted. The announcement came on ESPN before the Indiana Fever’s game against the two-time reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in Las Vegas.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, and Reese, the No. 7 pick by the Chicago Sky, have significantly boosted attendance and television ratings for the league. Clark, 22, is averaging 16.2 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages of 39.4% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
In a post-game interview after the Fever’s 88-69 loss to the Aces, Clark emphasized the collective achievement of the All-Star selections. “I know people are going to be really excited about it, but I hope it doesn’t take away from everybody else,” she said. “This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise.”
Reese, who is averaging a double-double with 13.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, also expressed her excitement and gratitude after learning of her All-Star selection following the Sky’s 85-77 win over the Atlanta Dream. She had an impressive game, securing 19 rebounds and scoring 12 points. At the post-game press conference, Reese said through tears, “I’m just so happy. I know the work I’ve put in. Coming into this league, so many people doubted me. But, I trusted the process and I believed. I’m thankful that I dropped to [No.] 7 and was able to come to Chicago.”
Clark and Reese were among the top vote-getters for the All-Star Game, with Clark finishing first with 700,735 votes and Reese fifth with 381,518 votes. This year’s All-Star Game, the 20th edition, will celebrate and send off WNBA players selected to compete in the Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11.
Clark, however, did not make the 12-player Team USA roster for the Olympics, a decision that sparked debate. Some felt she was snubbed, while others believed she lacked the necessary experience for the Olympic level. Selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti explained that the decision was based on basketball criteria rather than Clark’s popularity.
The WNBA All-Star voting process included input from fans (50%), current WNBA players (25%), and media members (25%). This year’s All-Star festivities will feature the third annual WNBA Live, a two-day fan festival celebrating the intersection of the WNBA, fashion, music, and culture, held at the Phoenix Convention Center from July 19-20.
Re-reported from the article originally published in NEW YORK POST.
