Indiana Fever and Los Angeles Sparks rookis sensations Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink, respectively.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark finds herself atop this week's WNBA Rookie Rankings after impressing against some of the league's other top first-year players. A familiar face is ing Clark on the list, as Aces guard and former Iowa star Kate Martin broke the top five.
Clark certainly has room for improvement, but she's shown enough amid the Fever's tough schedule to narrowly edge out Sparks forward Cameron Brink for No. 1.
Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink arrive in style at the Indiana Fever vs. Los Angeles Sparks game
1. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
- Stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.4 RPG
- Highlights: Clark almost achieved her first WNBA triple-double in the Fever's win over the Sparks, posting 11 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, along with four steals and a block in a team-high 37 minutes. Despite shooting 6-of-22 from the field with eight turnovers over the last two games, Clark's ability to contribute in multiple areas lifted her to the No. 1 spot. Against the Aces, she ed eight points, five rebounds, seven assists, and a steal while playing a season-low 29 minutes. Even when her shots aren't falling, Clark is making an impact.
2. Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks)
- Stats: 10.8 PPG, 3.2 BPG, 5.8 RPG
- Highlights: Brink, an excellent defender leading the WNBA with 3.2 blocks per game, reminded everyone of her offensive skills with 15 points against Indiana and a 21-point performance against the Wings. However, Brink's momentum is often halted by foul trouble, averaging 4.4 personal fouls per game. "I think it's just something I need to continue to adjust with," Brink said. "The coaches and my teammates have given me grace, so I'm just going to work through it."
3. Angel Reese (Chicago Sky)
- Stats: 12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG
- Highlights: Reese leads the league in offensive rebounds with 4.5 per game. Despite the Sky's 86-82 loss to the Connecticut Sun, Reese's toughness and competitive spirit stood out, especially during an altercation with Alyssa Thomas, who was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul after grabbing Reese by the neck.
4. Rickea Jackson (Los Angeles Sparks)
- Stats: 9.8 PPG, 54.5% FG, 2.4 RPG
- Highlights: Jackson has been versatile and effective off the bench, averaging 9.8 points on 54.5% shooting in 23.2 minutes per game. Her 16-point performance against the Fever highlighted her potential despite not being in the starting lineup.
5. Kate Martin (Las Vegas Aces)
- Stats: 5.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
- Highlights: Martin, initially uncertain about being drafted, has earned significant minutes for the back-to-back WNBA champions. In the Aces' 99-80 victory over the Fever, Martin contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block in 22 minutes off the bench. Aces coach Becky Hammon praised her for understanding angles and making the right reads.
As the WNBA season progresses, these rookies will continue to make their mark and contribute significantly to their teams' successes.