Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Made Clear Choice Between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have more than delivered on preseason expectations in their respective rookie campaigns. Both of the first-year pros have shattered all-time league records, claiming All-Star Team selections as the two front runners for Rookie of the Year.

The Clark vs. Reese debate has been a heated one since their college days as NCAA superstars. But with the WNBA postseason quickly approaching, Clark is beginning to pull away in the Rookie of the Year race.

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has long given the edge to Clark.

Reeve and the Lynx traded back in the 2024 WNBA Draft, giving the Chicago Sky an opportunity to select Reese with the No. 7 overall pick. Reeve justified that decision by saying Clark was the only "sure thing" in this year's rookie class.

“Angel certainly had a lot to offer,” Reeve said in an interview with MinnPost after the draft. “She’s going to defend, she’s going to rebound, she’s going to (get offensive rebounds). I think she’s a great passer. She has some very strong qualities as a pro. We just kind of looked at our situation. No one is a sure thing other than Caitlin Clark, like a sure thing sure thing? Time will tell. We all get really smart when we have the hindsight.”

Caitlin Clark fans have had a contentious relationship with Reeve throughout the 2024 WNBA season. Clark was not selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Reeve served as Team USA's head coach.

Last month though, Reeve shared some overwhelming praise for the Fever rookie.

Clark and the Fever will face off against Reeve and the Lynx in a primetime WNBA matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday.

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