Names That Mean Star

The 2024 WNBA draft class was one of the most anticipated groups of rookies in league history.

And now they're etching their names in the history books. 

On Sunday, Angel Reese recorded her 13th consecutive double-double, a new league record.

On Saturday, Caitlin Clark became the first rookie in the WNBA to tally a triple-double. April's No. 1 draft pick had 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds to help the Indiana Fever complete a fourth-quarter comeback and beat the New York Liberty 83-78.

We're tracking performances from top rookies every game day this season. Players will be added or subtracted based on performance and injury. 

Last updated: July 10

Guard | 6-foot | Game log | Stats

Last time out: It was a frustrating loss for the Fever, but another big game for Clark.

She had 29 points, 13 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 blocks in an 89-84 loss to Washington. The Fever were down by 21 entering the fourth quarter, but nearly climbed all the way back. They outscored the Mystics 29-13 in the final period and got as close as 3 points in the last minute.

But it was just too big a hole for Indiana to climb out of. Coming off a win over New York in which she became the first WNBA rookie to get a triple-double, Clark's stat line Wednesday was rare. She is the second player in WNBA history to have at least 25 points/10 assists/5 rebounds/5 steals in a game; Connecticut's Alyssa Thomas did it last season. Clark is also just the second player to lead a team outright in points, assists, steals and blocks in a game; the other was Houston's Cynthia Cooper in 2000.

Clark was 7-of-14 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line while playing 38 minutes. She has 175 assists on the season and is the first rookie to have four consecutive games with at least 10 assists.

What we learned: The Fever feared a letdown after the big win over New York on Saturday, and that's what happened. They also had a starting lineup change, as Lexie Hull replaced NaLyssa Smith. Smith was coming off three consecutive games in which she had double-digit rebounds.

"That was a coach's decision and I'm just going to leave it at that," Indiana's coach Christie Sides said.

Smith still played 27 minutes and finished with 11 points but had just 2 rebounds. The Fever trailed 51-37 at halftime and got just 2 offensive rebounds the entire game, while being outrebounded 31-29 overall. Foul trouble limited Aliyah Boston to 21 minutes and just 6 points.

"We definitely started slow, and that's kind of what killed us," Clark said. "Our fourth quarter was great, but you can't play one quarter of basketball and expect to win in this league. We've gotta find a way to come out and have more energy. We know we can be a lot better."

On the lineup change, Clark added, "No matter who's on the court, you have to compete as hard as you can every single second. I think we all do that. I just think collectively we could have worked a little better together from a defensive schematical perspective." -- Michael Voepel

Up next: vs. Phoenix Mercury on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET, ION)

Last time out: Cardoso had 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assist and 1 steal as the Sky beat Atlanta 78-69 on Wednesday and bolstered their playoff position. It was Cardoso's first double-digit scoring game since June 23 when she had 16 points in a win over Indiana.

Cardoso and Reese combined for 24 rebounds as Chicago won the board battle 43-36.

What we learned: The Sky helped themselves in the standings -- they are currently in seventh place; the top eight teams advance to the postseason -- but also helped Indiana, too. Chicago's victory kept Atlanta from gaining any ground on the eighth-place Fever, who lost to Washington. -- Voepel

Up next: at New York Liberty on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

Last time out: Reese extended her WNBA record to 14 consecutive double-doubles, but not without some suspense in the Sky's 78-69 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday in Chicago.

Reese scored her 10th point on a free throw that bounced in with 6.1 seconds left. She then hit the next free throw as well, finishing the game with 11 points and 13 rebounds. She also had 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Reese passed retired legend Candace Parker for the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles Sunday in a loss at Seattle.

What we learned: The Sky have won three of their past four games and are in playoff position at 9-12. But they have three tough games left before the All-Star/Olympic break: New York twice and Las Vegas. -- Voepel

Up next: at New York Liberty on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game log | Stats

Last time out: Edwards really asserted herself Wednesday in the Mystics' 89-84 victory at Indiana. She finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists coming off the bench. Edwards played 21 minutes and was one of five Washington players who scored in double figures, led by Ariel Atkins (26 points).

What we learned: The Mystics moved to 6-17 and got their third victory on the road. Washington lost two previous games to the Fever this season and face them once more, in the regular-season finale Sept. 19. -- Voepel

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Aces on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS SN)

Last time out: Tuesday, Jackson was held to single digits scoring - 6 points - for the first time since June 22. She was 3 of 8 from the field with 1 rebound in 24 minutes of court time in the Sparks' 82-67 loss to visiting Minnesota. Jackson was coming off a season-high 22 points Sunday against Phoenix. Consistency is one of the hardest parts of adjusting to the WNBA for rookies, but Jackson wasn't alone in struggling against the Lynx. The only Sparks player who scored in double figures was veteran forward Dearica Hamby with 18 points. It was Los Angeles' second-lowest point total this season; the lowest was 62 on June 5, also in a loss to the Lynx. Minnesota leads the WNBA in defensive rating.

What we learned: From June 9 to July 9, the Sparks went 2-10. Both victories came against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington are all tied now for last place in the WNBA at 5-17. The Sparks have two games left before the All-Star/Olympic break. -- Voepel

Up next: at Dallas Wings on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)