She’s already the WNBA GOAT! – ESPN salutes Caitlin Clark for triple-double amid Fever win over Sky

ESPN Hails Caitlin Clark as WNBA’s New GOAT After Historic Triple-Double in Fever Blowout Over Sky

Indianapolis, IN — The WNBA season opener between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky was more than just a game—it was the latest chapter in the league’s most heated rivalry, and a showcase for what many are calling the league’s new greatest of all time: Caitlin Clark.

Clark and Reese: Rivalry Renewed

The tension between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which began during their college days, has only intensified since both entered the WNBA. Last season, their very first pro meeting saw Reese cheering on a hard foul by teammate Chennedy Carter that sent Clark to the floor. Just two weeks later, Reese herself delivered a shot to Clark’s head, a play later upgraded to a flagrant foul.

This animosity spilled over into this season’s opener, with both players involved in another heated exchange. Clark was assessed a flagrant foul, while Reese and Indiana’s Aliyah Boston received technicals in a game marked by physicality and emotion.

Clark Makes History—Again

But the story of the night was Clark’s brilliance on the court. The Fever star notched a triple-double—her third already in her young career—tying Candace Parker for the third-most in league history, despite having played only a fraction of the games. Clark finished with 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, as Indiana cruised to a blowout win.

Duana Bonner also made history, moving into third place on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list, but even that milestone was overshadowed by Clark’s performance and the ongoing drama with Reese.

ESPN: “She’s Already the WNBA GOAT”

ESPN analysts were effusive in their praise, with some calling Clark the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the WNBA—an extraordinary claim for a player in just her second season. They highlighted her unprecedented rookie campaign, where she led the league in three-pointers, became the only rookie to ever do so, and averaged more points created (scored or assisted) than anyone in league history.

“She’s the first player ever to average 19 points and 8 assists in a season, the first rookie to average 15 and 5, and her passing is unlike anything we’ve seen in this league,” said ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco. “She’s not just a scorer—she’s a generational playmaker.”

Clark’s relentless work ethic has also drawn admiration. Despite a whirlwind of off-court obligations, she reportedly returned to the gym by 8 a.m. most mornings, a testament to her dedication.

Fever’s Outlook: Sky’s the Limit

With new additions like Duana Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard, the Fever are expected to build on last season’s momentum. New head coach Stephanie White believes Clark’s improved strength and shooting will take her game—and the team—even higher this year.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky, led by standout sophomores Angel Reese and Camila Cardoso, are aiming for a playoff run under new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. With improved spacing and the return of veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot, expectations are high for a big leap from last year’s 13-27 record.

Rivalry Fuels League Interest

The Clark-Reese rivalry is proving to be a ratings boon for the WNBA. Their next meeting, already a sellout at Chicago’s United Center, promises even more fireworks. While Clark has downplayed the drama—insisting her flagrant foul was “just a basketball play”—the tension between the two stars is undeniable.

As ESPN put it: “This isn’t just a media creation. The animosity is real, and it’s driving unprecedented interest in the league.”

Conclusion

With her record-breaking performances, magnetic personality, and headline-generating rivalry with Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark is not just changing the game—she’s redefining it. If her current trajectory continues, the WNBA’s new GOAT may already be here.

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