WNBA Season 2024 Opener
Michael Voepel covers the WNBA, women’s college basketball, and other college sports for espnW. He started covering women’s basketball in 1984 and joined ESPN in 1996.
Kevin Pelton, an ESPN Senior Writer, co-authored the Pro Basketball Prospectus series and developed the WARP rating and SCHOENE system. Read more about him here.
May 15, 2024, 01:11 AM ET
Exciting Start to the 2024 WNBA Season
The 2024 WNBA season has kicked off with a bang! Caitlin Clark’s professional journey has begun as the defending champions, including the Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx, secured victories on opening night.
In her debut game, Clark faced off against Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun, with Thomas notching a triple-double. Despite a rocky start, Clark managed to put up 20 points, showcasing her potential as the No. 1 draft pick.
Clark’s performance, while promising, also highlighted areas of improvement, particularly in handling turnovers and shooting accuracy.
Analyzing Opening Night Performances
How did the Aces, Liberty, Lynx, and Sun secure their opening night wins? Injuries to key players like Brittney Griner and Chelsea Gray impacted the game outcomes significantly. Notably, the Storm faced offensive challenges despite the addition of Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith.
Assessing Caitlin Clark’s Debut
Michael Voepel shares insights on Clark’s debut, emphasizing the learning curve rookies face in the competitive WNBA environment. Despite initial struggles, Clark’s confidence and aggression stood out, showcasing her potential for growth.
Looking ahead, what can we realistically expect from Clark and the Indiana Fever as they navigate the season?
Evaluating Team Performances
Voepel provides a breakdown of the Aces’ performance in their quest for a three-peat, highlighting the absence of Chelsea Gray and the standout plays from Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum. A’ja Wilson’s leadership shone through despite self-criticism over shooting accuracy.
On the other hand, the Storm faced offensive woes post the addition of Diggins-Smith and Ogwumike, struggling to find their rhythm on the court. Coach Noelle Quinn reflects on areas of improvement moving forward.
Read More of this Story at www.espn.com – 2024-05-15 05:11:00
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