Chicago Sky guard Diamond DeShields made her opinion of the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year debate very simple. Following Angel Reese’s 25-point, 16-rebound performance over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the WNBA All-Star dropped her take on Reese being the favorite to win the accolade.
“Debate is over. ROY,” said DeShields via Instagram.
Reese proved to be the most versatile rookie in the league in the Sky’s 88-87 victory on Sunday. It’s certainly a close race, with Clark leading all rookies in points and assists with 16.3 points and 6.6 assists through the Fever’s 7-11 record.
Given those quality stats, Reese has been the most consistent rookie in the league, averaging a 13.2-point, 11.1-rebound double-double. Chicago also stands one spot ahead of the Fever in the Eastern Conference rankings, listed as the No. 4 team with a 6-9 record.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese look on during their game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 1, 2024.
© Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images
DeShields is an experienced veteran in her fifth season in the league. The talented guard out of Tennessee has seen some competitive rookie races throughout the past few years, but Clark and Reese have shown a level of stardom that’s unprecedented for the league.
Reese and Clark still have ample time in the season to settle the debate, but DeShields believes her Sky teammate stamped her name on the trophy.
NBA legend Dwyane Wade was hyped to see the Chicago Sky grab their first win against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday. Wade went to X to react to the 88-87 Sky victory over the Fever and showed high praise to rookie Angel Reese.
Wade posted two emojis regarding the rookie’s 25-point, 16-rebound performance: the crown emoji and the fire emoji. It seemed the Sky’s minority stake owner was ecstatic to see Chicago finally edge its rival, especially in a prime-time game.
He’s giving Reese the crown as she’s helped lead the Sky to a 6-9 record on the season. Chicago improves to fourth in the East and eighth in the league’s overall standings, which determine the playoff qualifiers.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks for an open teammate on Sunday June 16, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever beat the Sky 91-83.
© Jacob Musselman/ For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Sky have shown streaky performances throughout the season, but the one player that has produced on a night-to-night basis has been Reese. The rookie has recorded eight straight double-doubles, which is the most by any first-year player in WNBA history.
Wade has been quick to applaud Reese and the Sky all season. Chicago may be working through an up-and-down season, but it is picking up steam with back-to-back wins.
