Caitlin Clark’s Historic Triple-Double Has Fans Calling Her WNBA ROY over Angel Reese

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 6, 2024

Justin Casterline/NBAE via Getty Images

Caitlin Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double on Saturday, posting 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in an 83-78 comeback victory over the first-place New York Liberty.

CBS Sports @CBSSportsCAITLIN CLARK HAS THE FIRST TRIPLE-DOUBLE FOR A ROOKIE IN WNBA HISTORY pic.twitter.com/xar912zrhE

The Fever trailed 66-55 early in the fourth quarter, but Clark led Indiana on a ferocious comeback that included an 11-0 run to turn a 75-68 deficit into a 79-75 advantage.

During that stretch, Clark converted a three-point play, found Kelsey Mitchell for a game-tying three-pointer and earned her 13th and final assist on a dish to Lexie Hull to cap the scoring run.

WNBA @WNBACaitlin Clark hits the AND-1 and the Fever are back within 3 👀

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/iWSFGdJKlf

Indiana Fever @IndianaFeverKelsey Mitchell with the triple for the tie! pic.twitter.com/MHXlED6Qmn

WNBA @WNBAMake it a 4-PT lead for the Fever courtesy of Lexie Hull 🤝

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/ughtgWZBv3

The Liberty cut the Fever lead to 79-78 off a Sabrina Ionescu three-pointer with 1:09 left, but that’s as close as they would get. Indiana hit four free throws down the stretch to salt the game away.

Saturday was undoubtedly an amazing game for Clark, who not only posted her best professional stat line but did so against the WNBA’s best team in comeback fashion while leading her squad in points, assists, rebounds and steals (two).

WNBA @WNBAAnother look at Caitlin Clark’s rebound that made history!

✅ 1st rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double
✅ 1st player in Indiana Fever history to record a triple-double pic.twitter.com/SzKRpyC5FV

On a team basis, the Fever are looking great right now as winners of six of their last nine after a 3-10 start. The Fever are in a fight for the playoffs with the second half of the season just getting underway, but they look to be in a good position to do so with the talent firing on all cylinders.

There is, of course, the never-ending debate between Clark and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, who is phenomenal in her own right.

Reese has posted a WNBA record 12 straight double-doubles and counting after a fantastic 27-point, 10-rebound outing in a 88-84 road win over the fourth-place Seattle Storm on Friday.

Fans are sure to debate whether Clark or Reese deserves the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, and that discourse continued Saturday as the ex-Iowa star put on a show. Some loved Clark’s performance, of course, and gave her the nod after watching her.

Chris May @cmay13xAngel Reese is having one hell of a season but Caitlin Clark has ROY in the bag

🧢ThrockStar🧢 @SkyHighThrockYour WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark has a triple double with 6+ minutes remaining in a game versus the best team in the WNBA (Liberty). #WNBA #ROY

Angie G @MomAngtradesCaitlin Clark just became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple double. Who are the people even acting like there is a conversation to be had on who’s ROY? Haters, that’s who pic.twitter.com/KWYsn2NcfB

Hector Zeroni @MR_McNASTY42Clark about to get ROY now because of the triple double

Jackie Cardwell @JackieL78685591CAITLIN CLARK IS MY ROY. HERSTORY 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Barry @BarryOnHereCaitlin Clark is obviously the best rookie in the WNBA and it’s not close. Angel Reese is going to be a very good player but Clark is a different animal.

Scott @Scott_Tack24Caitlin Clark > Angel Reese https://t.co/y7iOcJ0zWd

PBMTalksBall @PBMTalksBall_Caitlin Clark must’ve heard all that talk with Angel Reese and the ROY and said hold my beer.

Of course, there’s still plenty of season left to decide the victor, but right now, Clark and Reese (and their respective teams) are must-see television as they continue their excellent play.