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WNBA rookie tracker: Turnovers remain challenge, but Clark, Fever improving

We're tracking every game for one of the most anticipated rookie classes in WNBA history.

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The 2024 WNBA season is off and running for one of the most anticipated rookie classes in league history. With the WNBA at a tipping point, all eyes are on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in April's draft and the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer.

But the rookie class is loaded with potential future stars. In addition to Clark, forwards Cameron Brink, the No. 2 draft pick with the Los Angeles Sparks, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick to the Chicago Sky, were among the rookies in starting lineups Tuesday and Wednesday as the season opened.

How did the top rookies perform in their pro debuts? We'll track their performances every time they take the court, so check back every game day.

Looking for center Kamilla Cardoso? She's sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in early May. When she returns, we'll add the Sky's No. 3 pick -- and other rookies as the season progresses.

Last updated: May 18

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Guard | 6-foot-0 | Game log | Stats

Last time out: Facing New York for the second game in a row, Clark and the Fever played better than they did against the Liberty on Thursday. They still lost 91-80, but it was a sharper, more competitive game than the home opener, in which the Fever lost 102-66 to New York in Indianapolis.

Clark had 22 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds Saturday. She also had 8 turnovers. But keep in mind she played a team-high 34 minutes and handled the ball much of the time. It was a clear upgrade from her 9 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists Thursday. She scored or assisted on 41 of the Fever's points (51.3%), and shot 9 of 17 (52.9%) from the field overall (4 of 10 from 3-point range.)

What we learned: Like all rookies, Clark is learning every minute on court. She got off to a good start Saturday, scoring 10 points in the first quarter.

Clark is the fourth player -- and third "true" rookie -- to have at least 50 points and 15 assists in her first three WNBA games, joining Seattle's Sue Bird in 2002 and Los Angeles' Candace Parker in 2008. The other player to do it was Washington's Nikki McCray in 1998. But she wasn't a professional rookie then; she had already played in the short-lived ABL and in the 1996 Olympics before joining the WNBA at age 26.

Turnovers are the roughest thing so far for Clark, who has more of them -- 21 -- than any player in their first three WNBA games. -- Michael Voepel

Up next: vs. Connecticut Sun on Monday  (4 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks Forward | 6-foot-2 | Game log | Stats

Last time out: Jackson had 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field while coming off the bench against the Aces on Saturday. She provided good offensive support to Dearica Hamby, who had a career-high 29 points.

What stood out: Sparks coach Curt Miller said the Sparks put Jackson at the small forward position Saturday and he was happy with how she responded even though she hasn't practiced much lately at that spot.

"Rickea is a special talent offensively," Miller said. "She sparked us, was really efficient, made a couple of big 3s. I'm excited about these young lottery picks. They're just scratching the surface." -- Michael Voepel

Up next: vs. Washington Mystics on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET)

Cameron Brink, Los Angeles Sparks Forward | 6-foot-4 | Game log | Stats

Last time out: Brink started in the Sparks' 89-82 loss at Las Vegas on Saturday. She was 1 of 7 from the field for 3 points, with 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. She was facing a tall order in going against Las Vegas' A'ja Wilson, a two-time MVP.

"She has a really bright future," Wilson said of Brink. "I'm glad the Sparks drafted her because I feel like that's a great franchise for her to really grow. And that franchise is going to grow around her."

What stood out: In two WNBA games, Brink already has faced Tina Charles (Atlanta) and Wilson, two of the best post players in league history. Brink had 11 points in her debut against the Dream on Wednesday.

Sparks coach Curt Miller said Brink's ability to be a rim protector will continue to blossom. "They credited her with 5 blocks, but Cameron also alters shots," Miller said. "While she didn't have as good an offensive night as she's going to have ... she really impacted the game [defensively]." -- Michael Voepel

Up next: vs. Washington Mystics on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET)

Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game log | Stats

Last time out: Reese had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in her debut Wednesday for the Sky, who lost 87-79 at Dallas. Reese's eight rebounds (including five offensive boards) tied with Elena Delle Donne and Diamond DeShields for the most by a Sky rookie in her debut game.

Reese was 5-for-14 from the field but was going against a tough tandem inside: Natasha Howard, the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and 6-7 Teaira McCowan. Those two combined for 33 points and 26 rebounds.

What stood out: Reese played 26 minutes in her first game, as she and all the Sky's starters scored in double figures. The Sky led the Wings by four points with 5 minutes left. But Dallas went on a 18-6 run to close it out, going 8-of-8 from the floor in that stretch. Reese prides herself on defense, and in the opener she saw how tough it can be to slow down an offense like Dallas when it gets on a roll.

Reese and the Sky can immediately put what they learned Wednesday to use, as they have a rematch with the Wings in Dallas. -- Michael Voepel

Up next: at Dallas Wings on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, NBA TV)