Author: lehang

Jeanie Buss Gets Brutally Honest About Lakers Settling For JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers hired J.J. Redick to be the team’s next head coach this summer. Although they said all the right things about the move before and afterwards, anyone following the process knows that the former Duke standout was actually not their first choice.

L.A. made a heavy push to steal Dan Hurley away from UConn – but ultimately they failed. Not only did his wife have zero interest in coming to Los Angeles, but the prospect of winning another National Championship at the collegiate level seemed far more appealing to Hurley himself.

After Hurley passed on joining the purple and gold, the Lakers settled for Redick. Almost immediately after he was hired, Redick became embroiled in a really messy scandal.

This week Lakers owner Jeanie Buss did an interview and during it revealed her brutally honest feelings on Redick coming in as coach.

“We wanted to kind of think a different way,” Buss said.

“Really, he’s got a vision. I’m not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. J.J. is the right person for us.

“Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don’t want to hype it and say it’s gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish. I’m really impressed with his staff. Right now, it’s not mandatory for the players to come in and practice but players are coming in and working out.

“The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there’s a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach. Certainly a 12-year career in the league, he’s got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about, and I think he’ll be a great leader.”

Redick already got started with a bang by demanding that the front office make one big change ASAP and with his plan for Bronny James.

The question now is how effective he will be when the games actually begin.

Time will tell if Redick has what it takes to actually become a successful Lakers coach. Many others have tried and failed.

Maxwell says that the Rockets would have beaten the Bulls in the 1994 and 1995 NBA Finals.

The Houston Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, or during the years when Michael Jordan took a hiatus to play baseball.

Many debate what would have happened if MJ hadn’t retired. Chicago Bulls fans say that MJ and company could have easily won eight straight NBA championships if that was the case. However, former Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell disagrees.

According to Mad Max, the Rockets had the Bulls’ number back then and would have beaten them if they faced off in the NBA Finals.

“If go back and look at the numbers, when we played them in my 9 years in Houston, sh** the boy beat me twice,” claimed Maxwell on Gil’s Arena. “And we play them twice a year. So we up to Chicago Stadium and beat the sh** out of them, and then we come to Houston, we beat the sh** out of them. I mean, you got to understand now, we got goddamn Dream down there, they got Bill Cartwright. What are we talking about?”

The Rockets ‘owned’ the Bulls from 1991 to 1993

While Jordan beat Maxwell 11-6 in their all-time head-to-head matchup, he was correct that the Rockets had Mike’s number during that period. In 1991, the Rockets swept the Bulls, beating them by double digits in both games. The following season, the teams split their regular-season meetings, with the home team winning each time. During the 1993 season, the Rockets also swept Jordan’s Bulls. Again, both victories were by double digits.

Not only did the Rockets own the Bulls during that period, but they also contained Michael. In their four games played during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 NBA seasons, Jordan shot a cumulative 44-103 against the Rockets, including a 9-26 shooting game on January 30, 1992.

Hakeem Olajuwon also peaked during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. Dream won MVP and DPOY honors in ’94 and averaged a career-high 27.8 PPG, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. With Chicago’s best big man during this time being Bill Cartwright, the Bulls would have no one to stop The Dream in the paint.

Kenny Smith said the Bulls were too small

Mad Max’s point that the Bulls did not have anyone to match up with Hakeem was the same sentiment of Maxwell’s backcourt partner, Kenny Smith. Smith also believes that the Bulls would’ve never won eight straight titles. The Jet said that Chicago would have been too small for Olajuwon.

“People forget that in those two years, there was no Dennis Rodman and no Horace Grant,” explained Smith. “That’s why they lost to Shaquille and Orlando. They were too small. It wasn’t that Jordan wasn’t the greatest basketball player we still had seen. They were too small. They would have no one big enough and good enough to guard Hakeem for those two years, and I think we would have won because of that, not because of the lack of Jordan’s greatness.”

The Bulls also had Luc Longley and Bill Wennington during those two years. But we know how good The Dream was during that stretch. Without anybody to limit Olajuwon and with Maxwell doing his thing on defense against Jordan, it does sound like Max’s claim isn’t a mad one. And as Kenny said, it’s good that they didn’t meet the Bulls those two years because it would have hurt MJ’s legacy and perhaps his standing as the GOAT.

Kidd knew he had to give Luka Doncic his natural freedom, which he perhaps restricted Giannis to do.

During his tenure as the Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd successfully nurtured Giannis Antetokounmpo’s talent, facilitating his development to such an extent that he won the Most Improved Player award in the 2017-18 season as he became a double-double machine.

Nevertheless, there remained a prevalent belief that the Greek Freak was restrained from maximizing his full potential. J-Kidd himself doubled down on this speculation when he vowed not to commit the same mistake with Luka Doncic as he committed with the two-time MVP.

Kidd vowed to take a different approach

Prior to becoming a head coach in the NBA, Kidd had long been reputed for possessing elite basketball acumen, particularly in terms of maximizing the potential of a team’s best player. However, after he assumed the head coach role in Milwaukee, Kidd failed to make Antetokounmpo the team’s No. 1 option in his first two full seasons.

Even in the 2016-17 season, despite Giannis leading the team in scoring, assists, rebounding, steals, and blocks, Jabari Parker averaged more field goal attempts. This discrepancy clearly indicated that Kidd had not granted the 6’11” forward complete shooting freedom.

Upon his appointment as the head coach of the Mavs, ‘The Engine’ acknowledged his previous error in restricting Giannis’ shooting opportunities and pledged to not make the same issues with Luka Doncic. Put simply, the 2011 NBA Champ understood that for him to make the Slovenian star maximize his impact, the latter needed to shoot whenever he had the ball in hand.

“Luka is a different player,” Kidd said on ESPN’s The Jump.” I’m not gonna tell him not to shoot; he can shoot the ball. My job is to make the game easier for him, understand the game within the game, understand how to get guys going, (and) become a better leader. (I plan to) help him in every aspect of the game to try to make it easy. That’s what we did with Giannis in Milwaukee, and, again, I won’t tell him not to shoot like I did with you (Richard Jefferson) and Giannis.”

J-Kidd has stayed true to his word

Ever since the Nets legend took over Dallas, he has figured out how much Doncic loves to shoot; as a result, he has only encouraged him to take over 21 shots per game in a season. This boosted the 6’7″ guard to average 32.4 points per game in just his second season as head coach, and he also helped Luka Magic lead the league in scoring, even with another ball-dominant guard like Kyrie Irving on the roster.

So, while Jason may not have led Dallas to another NBA championship yet, he has learned from his mistakes in Milwaukee.

Who’s the best WNBA player? Within a matter of seconds, any basketball fan would say Caitlin Clark. Caitlin is yet to hit the WNBA court for a regular season game, but she’s already shaking up the scene. How? Well, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, captivating the audience every step of the way. Despite this and her accolades, Charles Barkley has his reservations about her.

A couple of months ago, she sparked a frenzy, revolutionizing deals and ticket sales for the Indiana Fever franchise. Even though she was the apple of the spectators’ eyes, basketball legends weren’t quite sure about her performance on the court. “When I first saw the WNBA TV schedule, the first thing I said was, oh, shit. I said, there’s going to be a negative impact, blowback from players, from media,” said Charles in a recent episode of a podcast.

But this is just a glimpse of ‘Sir Charles’ insights into Caitlin Clark. In a recent episode uploaded on the official account of The Steam Room with the title – No Caller ID + “the guys upstairs” – Charles Barkley sat with Ernie Johnson to discuss the ongoing scenario in women’s basketball. “So, Caitlin Clark, you know I’m a big Caitlin Clark fan. We all are,” Barkley added later in the same episode.

USA Today via Reuters

But why did ‘Sir Charles’ have different thoughts about Caitlin before?

Charles Barkley on Caitlin Clark

This too is answered by Barkley in the episode itself. He continued, “None that she had in it because of the number of games that she had a fever on. You would think that people who run the WNBA would be smart enough to know that there was going to be blowback. And I understand because you have the Aces who have been two-time defending champs.”

But he didn’t stop there. He also opened up about how he wanted things to happen. He added, “So, I wish they would have been smarter not to put her in a position cause she’s a shining star. And I know you have to show her, and I think it’s important we show her, but I think that’s overkill in my personal opinion.”

Though things didn’t happen as per Barkley’s and Johnson’s expectations, Caitlin is in a good position. She’s already one of the highly anticipated prospects in the history of the WNBA who’s turning heads before even hitting the hardwood. Now, the question is – Will Caitlin be able to keep up with the expectations of the spectators?

Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark: The Rookie Showdown and Its Fallout

Caitlin Clark has become a standout star in the WNBA, and her impact on the league is undeniable. Her performances have set new standards, making her a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. However, this has overshadowed Angel Reese, another promising rookie whose journey has been marked by significant challenges. The comparisons and controversies surrounding these two players reveal much about the current state of women’s professional basketball.

Caitlin Clark’s Phenomenal Impact

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. She has set rookie records for the most assists, three-pointers in a season, and is the first rookie to achieve a triple-double. Her offensive prowess and leadership on the court have drawn widespread acclaim. Clark’s exceptional skill and versatility make her a franchise cornerstone, and her ability to perform under pressure continues to make headlines.

Angel Reese’s Struggles and Comparisons

In contrast, Angel Reese’s rookie season has been marred by difficulties. Despite a promising start, Reese has struggled with her performance, particularly with her shooting accuracy. Her field goal percentage has been notably low, and she has faced criticism for her movements on the court, which some describe as sluggish. The comparisons to Caitlin Clark, who is often hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, have exacerbated the scrutiny on Reese.

The situation has been further complicated by Reese’s public feud with Clark. Her association with Clark, who has overshadowed her in the media, has made it challenging for Reese to gain positive recognition. This rivalry has been amplified by Reese’s recent performance issues and public controversies.

Rejection from Key Figures and Teams

Angel Reese’s struggle is also reflected in her interactions with prominent figures in women’s basketball. Team USA Coach Cheryl Reeve, who is also the president and head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, notably avoided drafting Reese in the WNBA draft. Reeve’s decision to trade down rather than select Reese was a clear indication of her stance on the rookie’s fit with the team. Furthermore, Reese was left off the Olympic roster, further impacting her visibility and opportunities.

In addition, Reese’s attempts to bring Gabby Williams onto her team were met with rejection, highlighting ongoing challenges in her career. The Chicago Sky, where Reese was drafted, has seen mixed results, and Reese’s performance has been under the microscope as she tries to prove her worth.

The Impact of Performance and Perception

One of Reese’s significant hurdles is her comparison to Caitlin Clark. The shadow cast by Clark’s remarkable achievements has made it difficult for Reese to be evaluated on her own merits. Despite Reese’s own impressive stats and contributions, such as being a strong rebounder and energetic player, the constant comparisons detract from her accomplishments.

Reese’s attempt to embrace the “villain” role in the league has been met with mixed reactions. While she has expressed a willingness to take on the antagonist role, some critics argue that this stance has not translated into the positive outcomes she hoped for. Instead, it has sometimes seemed as if Reese’s attempts to assert herself have backfired.

The Future of Women’s Basketball and Unrivaled League

Looking ahead, the landscape of women’s basketball is poised for changes with the advent of new leagues like Unrivaled. This league, created by Brianna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, aims to provide additional opportunities for players during the WNBA’s off-season. It offers a new platform where players like Angel Reese could potentially showcase their talents, especially if Caitlin Clark also decides to participate.

The Unrivaled League promises higher salaries and equity shares for its players, which could make it an attractive option. While Caitlin Clark’s potential involvement in this league is still uncertain, her future decisions could impact the league’s dynamics significantly.

Conclusion

The ongoing saga between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark highlights both the personal and professional challenges faced by rising stars in women’s basketball. While Clark’s exceptional talent continues to set a high bar, Reese’s journey underscores the complexities of carving out a career in the shadow of such greatness. As both players navigate their paths, their experiences will likely shape the future of the sport in significant ways.

For now, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch closely as these athletes forge their paths and influence the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZJnGdracNI

LSU women’s basketball captured the national championship on Sunday as they defeated Iowa, 102-85.

In the waning stages of the victory, Tigers star Angel Reese made sure to let Iowa standout Caitlin Clark know what the final result was going to be as she brutally mocked her multiple times and pointed to her ring finger to indicate she just won a title.

She also hit the Hawkeyes sharpshooter with Clark’s own “You Can’t See Me” celebration, just as Clark did during a previous contest.

While some loved what she did, many took to Twitter to show how much they thought it was disrespcetful. Former ESPN host Keith Olbermann is going viral for what he said about LSU Tigers star Angel Reese.

He called Reese a ‘fucking idiot.’

Shaquille O’Neal quickly jumped in his comments and promptly destroyed him for his take.

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“shut your dumb ass up leave angel reese alone,” he announced.

Olbermann is unlikely to respond to Shaq.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has a new fan in town, and it is none other than a member of the Jordan family. The WNBA continues to garner attention with the entry of rookies who made a name for themselves in the NCAA. After Caitlin Clark, it’s Angel Reese, who is the center of attraction for basketball buffs. After things did not go her way today, Michael Jordan‘s ex-wife Juanita Vanoy, decided to share some positive words, to show her support for the 22-year-old. Looks like Reese is one step closer to her desire.

The Chicago Sky are 2-2 this season after they lost to the Connecticut Sun today. Despite Angel Reese scoring 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, the Sky lost by four points, 82-86, to the Sun. Although Reese might not be proud of this performance from her, Juanita is still appreciative of the 22-year-old.

The Chicago Bulls legend’s ex-wife shared a picture of Reese on her Instagram, and added, “We’ll get the next one…“, shedding some positivity on the rookie. What’s to be noted with this story is that Reese shared a few weeks ago, “I’m telling you right now, I want Michael Jordan to come to a game. I’ve never met him. That’s why the first time I want him to come to a game.”

Despite a loss today, Reese has got the attention of Jordan’s ex-wife. Maybe, if the above words reach the 6x champion’s ears, her dream might come true. However, a thing of notice here is that Jordan’s presence has been recorded in several NBA games. But, what remains borderline shocking is that he has never attended WNBA games. At least, there have been no public sightings of the same. Only time will tell if he will grace the WNBA games and boost till popularity further.

Getting back to the rookie, there is definitely some Chicago blood running in Angel Reese. The competitive spirit, the trash-talking, etc. portrays her like she is a 10-year veteran in WNBA. There were dramatic scenes on the court today, where Reese brought out her MJ side.

Angel Reese appreciates the harsh treatment from a WNBA star, despite conceding a hard fall

During the third quarter of Sky vs Sun, Reese took a hard fall on the court after she was pushed by Alyssa Thomas, who went for a rebound. Reese’s head hit the ground, due to which Thomas was ejected from the game with a flagrant 2. Reese was in evident pain, but she continued to play the game till the end. She played a total of 33 minutes today and also stunned the media by sharing a few words on the hard foul.

Reese told in the presser, “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie…They’re not supposed to be nice to me …Thank you AT[Alyssa Thomas] for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” Hard fouls, physical plays, etc. nothing can stop Reese at the moment. Does this not remind you of Jordan against the Detroit Pistons’ Bad Boys?

Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 26, 2024

The Bulls legend never complained, and that is something Reese looks up to. Juanita Jordan, who is a Chicago native, has keen eyes on Reese. Let’s see if Michael Jordan shifts attention towards the WNBA rookie any time soon.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video:

Novak Djokovic has spoken up about the doping controversy surrounding young rival Jannik Sinner in the buildup to the 2024 US Open. Sinner, the World No. 1, tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol twice earlier this year, but was recently cleared to continue playing after an independent tribunal declared that the Italian himself was not at fault for the contamination.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and Sinner released statements on Tuesday, August 20, revealing all the relevant details of the case. However, it didn’t take long for things to take a controversial turn, as multiple active players such as Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios, and several fans, questioned why there was no extended suspension handed out to the Italian.

The questions stemmed from harsher punishments meted out to lower-ranked players and the time it took for the sensitive information to be made public.

Sinner himself had to serve a provisional suspension for a few days before it was lifted following a successful appeal from the Italian’s legal team. The reigning Australian Open champion also had to forfeit all the ranking points and prize money he had earned from his 2024 BNP Paribas Open campaign in Indian Wells.

Recently, Novak Djokovic was asked about his thoughts on his rival’s situation at a 2024 US Open pre-tournament press conference. The Serb was also quizzed about the potential role of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic himself and Canadian Vasek Pospisil, in facilitating fairness, transparency and equality across such cases going forward.

The 24-time Major winner admitted that he and Pospisil had co-founded the PTPA to advocate for “standardized approaches” to resolve such cases. Djokovic also empathized with some of his colleagues who have voiced their frustrations at Sinner not receiving a stricter punishment.

“As far as Jannik’s case, you know, as I said, these kind of instances are the very reason that why we founded PTPA that is always advocating for fair protocols, clear protocols for standardized approaches to these kind of cases.I understand the frustration of the players is there because of lack of consistency. As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced. But, you know, I think five or six months passed since the news was brought to him and his team,” Djokovic said.

The former World No. 1 pointed out the loopholes “in the system” as well, suggesting that as long as they are not rectified, there is a likelihood of such instances playing out again.

“So, yeah, there is a lot of issues in the system. We see lack of standardized and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same,” Djokovic added.

Jannik Sinner still above Novak Djokovic in ATP rankings after Indian Wells point deduction ahead of US Open 2024

The Serb (L) and Jannik Sinner (R) (Source: Getty)
The 400 ranking points that Sinner was forced to forfeit from his BNP Paribas Open campaign in Indian Wells earlier this year have not been deducted retroactively, which means that the Italian remains the World No. 1 as things stand.

Both players are among the favorites for the 2024 US Open men’s singles title, and they are both heading into the year’s last Major after marking significant milestones in their respective careers.

While Djokovic’s last outing saw him come out on top against Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sinner won the recently-concluded Cincinnati Open after defeating Frances Tiafoe.

Djokovic, the No. 2 seed at the US Open, is set to start his Flushing Meadows campaign with a first-round match against Radu Albot. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Sinner is slated to kickstart his campaign against Mackenzie McDonald.

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Edited by Neelabhra Roy

Aug 23 (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic finally got his hands on an Olympic gold medal to complete the career Golden Slam in Paris but the Serb faces the prospect of being shut out of the Grand Slams for the first time since 2017 as he gears up for his U.S. Open title defence.

Djokovic, who will once again bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, has been upstaged by younger rivals this season, losing to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals and Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Champions Park medallists celebrations – Champions Park, Paris, France – August 05, 2024. Tennis Men’s Singles gold medallist Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with his medal during the Champions Park medallists celebrations. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The 37-year-old withdrew from his French Open quarter-final due to a knee injury.

The last time Djokovic played all four majors in a season without winning one was 14 years ago but recent form suggests he is getting back to his best with the Serb beating French Open champion Alcaraz in the Paris Games final at Roland Garros.

Djokovic has since opted out of U.S. Open tune-up tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati to recharge his batteries before attempting to move past Margaret Court and take sole possession of the all-time Grand Slam record.

“I think he can find the motivation, the gold medal will lift him. If he plays like this, he’s the man to beat at the U.S. Open,” Djokovic’s former coach Goran Ivanisevic said.
“I’m so glad that he finally won the Olympic gold. I wish him a 25th Grand Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he’ll never retire.”

SLIGHTLY UNDERCOOKED

Alcaraz arrives in New York slightly undercooked on hardcourts and hoping to erase Friday’s racket-smashing defeat by French veteran Gael Monfils in the Cincinnati second round.

When Adiaratou Iglesias crossed the finish line at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, she did not know she had won gold in the women’s 100-metre T13 race.

“I felt it was the worst match I ever played in my career,” Alcaraz said of the 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 loss.

“It’s really difficult to find good stuff from this match. I want to forget it, and try to move on to New York.”

Also standing in Djokovic’s way could be 23-year-old world number one Sinner, who won his first major title earlier this season after dethroning the Serb at the Australian Open.

The Italian missed the Olympics due to tonsillitis and has struggled with a lingering hip issue, but peaked in time for the Aug. 26-Sept. 8 U.S. Open by winning the Cincinnati crown.

“I’m happy to be in the position I am, just trying to keep going mentally, having this hunger to keep playing and hopefully I can show some good tennis in New York,” Sinner said.
“It’s important to recover, to be ready for New York. This is our main goal for this U.S. swing.”

Sinner heads into the U.S. open amid controversy having failed two drug tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing by an independent tribunal after it accepted his explanation that an anabolic agent entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy.

World number four Alexander Zverev will continue his quest to claim a maiden major, as will sixth-ranked Andrey Rublev and eighth-ranked Casper Ruud.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, will need to shake off a run of poor form if he is to mount a challenge.

A group of American men including Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe and Sebastian Korda will look to end the country’s 21-year Grand Slam drought since Andy Roddick’s triumph at his home major.

“All the Americans are playing really great tennis right now,” said Korda, who won the Washington title. “Hopefully we can make a big push in the coming Grand Slam soon.”

WNBA no. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark is iced out!

Caitlin Clark (Photo via theScore/Twitter)

Caitlin Clark rocked plenty of diamonds after being gifted with a custom gold chain from the GLD Shop with her jersey number on it.

Her teammate Erica Wheeler shared a video on social media showing off a diamond-filled chain and pendant featuring her jersey number.

Clark’s new iced-out diamond chain features 1,000 hand-set VVS diamonds totaling over 12 karats.

Clark responded by saying, “Shoutout E-dub [Erica Wheeler], shoutout G-L-D. Got this custom piece. It’s pretty sick.”

If anybody deserves an iced-out diamond chain, it is Caitlin Clark, who is likely leading in the race to be the Rookie of the Year alongside Ange Reese.

So far this season, Clark is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

Not to mention, Caitlin Clark also leads all WNBA guards in blocks, showcasing that she is not a one-trick pony and can play both sides of the ball.

Caitlin Clark’s Great Play Has The Indiana Fever Rolling Since The Paris Olympics Break

Caitlin Clark made it known that she was looking forward to the Olympic break, and she certainly used the time to her advantage.

The team came out the gate to play against two teams with records over .500, and they beat them both.

Last Friday, Caitlin Clark started fast and finished with 29 points, ten assists, and five rebounds, becoming the first WNBA rookie to have multiple games of at least 25 points/10 assists/5 rebounds in the win against the Phoenix Mercury, per ESPN.

Clark continued her good play in the Fever’s commanding 92-75 win over the Seattle Storm.

She scored 23 points and had nine assists in the game. Clark’s assists helped her surpass the WNBA rookie record for most assists in a single season.

Clark has the Fever fighting for a playoff spot, somewhere they haven’t been since 2016.