The 2024 WNBA All-Star game was one to remember, with many memorable moments and electric team-ups. Rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark led Team WNBA to a 117-109 victory over the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
This year’s All-Star game was filled with many different storylines. It boasts All-Stars who were selected by a mix of fan, player, media, and coach voting and will face Team USA, arguably the best national team in the program’s Olympic history.
But perhaps the weekend’s biggest story was Clark and Reese’s first team-up. Ever since their college days, Clark and Reese have arguably been the biggest figures in women’s basketball, and that popularity has carried on into their professional careers.
Let’s take a deeper dive into their performances in the All-Star game and their broader impact on the WNBA as a whole.
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Clark and Reese Lead Team to Victory in 2024 WNBA All-Star Game
Against a star-studded Team USA, Clark and Reese led Team WNBA to a win on Saturday night.
While Clark couldn’t quite get her shot to fall, scoring four points on 2-9 shooting, she did an excellent job of playmaking. Clark finished the game with ten assists, setting the rookie record for most assists in an All-Star game.
Clark was dropping dimes all over the place, including an assist to Reese to break the Rookie assist record.
Reese finished the game with a double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds on 5-10 shooting. Reese became the first Rookie in WNBA history to record an All-Star Game double-double.
Reese started her night off with an offensive rebound and put-back, a signature skill of hers.
Though the media sometimes portrays Clark and Reese as rivals, their mutual respect for each other was on full display at the 2024 WNBA All-Star game.
Clark and Reese’s Impact on the WNBA
There is no denying that Clark and Reese have brought many new viewers to the WNBA, and the numbers prove it.
The WNBA already has 16 games this season that have exceeded 1 million viewers, a significant milestone as the league has not reached that number in the last 16 years. Clark has played in 14 of those 16 games. The two most-watched games this season were between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky, each exceeding 2 million viewers.
The most-watched WNBA All-Star game in history was in 2003, with 1.441 million viewers. The 2023 WNBA All-Star game was the most viewed All-Star game since 2007, averaging 850,000 viewers. The main reason for the significant increase in viewership was that it was the first WNBA All-Star game to air on a network (ABC) during prime time.
While the official viewership numbers for the 2024 WNBA All-Star game are yet to be released, the current trend in the WNBA’s viewership, especially with Clark and Reese headlining the game, strongly suggests that the match will set new viewership records.
Rookie of the Year Race
To no surprise, Clark and Reese are the frontrunners to win WNBA rookie of the year. While Clark is heavily favored to win the award, the race isn’t over just yet.
Reese has been dominant for the Sky, averaging a double-double of 13.5 points per game and 12 rebounds per game. If she continues this stellar play, the Rookie of the Year race could become more exciting and close.
Who Will Win Rookie of the Year?
