WNBA takeaways: Wilson eyes history, Reese grabs boards

Welcome to WNBA Takeaways, a biweekly look at newsworthy stories, standout performances, and notable numbers across the league.

A'ja Wilson off to a historic start

It's hard to be more accomplished in any team sport than Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson. NCAA champion, No. 1 overall pick, Rookie of the Year, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time MVP are just a handful of her accolades. And yet, she's on pace to execute the greatest season in the league's history.

Wilson is the first WNBA player ever to score 500 points in her first 19 regular-season games of a campaign. She's also the first player to tally 400 points over that span while adding at least 200 rebounds or 50 blocks. There have been only 40 instances in league history in which a player has tallied Wilson's points, rebounds, and blocks over a full season, and the Aces' campaign isn't even half over. Wilson's production this year helped her become the franchise's leading scorer at just 27 years old. She's a complete runaway for MVP and needs to be discussed as one of North America's most dominant sporting figures in 2024.

Attendance numbers continue to rise

Of course, you can't talk about current events in the league without mentioning Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark's impact. The former Iowa star has drawn massive crowds to multiple road games this season, including last Tuesday when the Aces and T-Mobile Arena hosted the WNBA's largest crowd in 25 years with 20,366 in attendance.

That contest was moved in April from the team's usual home at the Michelob Ultra Arena, which only seats about 12,000. The Aces have temporarily relocated in the past, but they're one of several franchises, including the Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream, and Washington Mystics, to do so this year, at least partially due to accommodating Clark's superstardom.

Angel Reese dominates the glass

Despite playing in her rookie season, Chicago Sky's Angel Reese has displayed a rebounding acumen rivaled by only the league's best. The 22-year-old is amid a historic 13-game double-double streak, breaking legend Candace Parker's all-time record. Reese also ranks first in rebounds per game (11.9) and total rebounds (237).

While Reese's skills on the boards have been part of her arsenal, her scoring touch is starting to translate to the WNBA. Reese recorded 27 points and 10 rebounds in a clutch win last week over the Seattle Storm, who rank fourth. She has scored at least 20 points in three of her last 10 games while maintaining her presence on the glass. The league has a new contender for the top rebounder.

Outstanding performance

Caitlin Clark vs. New York Liberty (July 6)

Clark added a historic chapter to the most anticipated rookie season in WNBA history. With her mammoth stat line in a stunning victory over the league-leading New York Liberty, Clark became the first Fever player and the first rookie to put up a triple-double. Though she wasn't ultra-efficient, her all-around impact on the game was on full display.

Must-watch game

Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty (July 16)

How fitting that the Sun and Liberty - the two teams battling neck and neck for first place - face off in their final game before the upcoming WNBA All-Star break.

In their last meeting, the Liberty's Big Three of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu shot a combined 22-of-41 from the floor in a six-point win that bounced Connecticut from the Commissioner's Cup. Thanks to a near month-long Olympic break immediately following this year's All-Star Game, that July 16 encounter may be perfectly timed for a thrilling midseason showdown.

Standout stat

Not only was Clark's rookie triple-double a feat of its own, but it also made her the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 350 points and 150 assists. That's a startling pace once you realize Clark is barely halfway through her rookie season and still has another 18 games to go.

Best tweet

Following the victory over the Fever and fellow freshman star Clark on June 24, Reese made sure everybody knew she possessed that one thing you can't teach. The double-double machine is also great with young fans.