Even the most dedicated Caitlin Clark supporters might not have expected her to finish in the top five of WNBA MVP voting during her rookie season, but Clark remains laser-focused on team success as the playoffs approach.
When asked about her fourth-place MVP finish, Clark was characteristically humble: “I mean, it’s cool, but at the same time, I don’t really care,” she told reporters.
Caitlin Clark on officially getting the 4th most MVP votes: “I mean, it’s cool. But at the same time, I don’t really care.” pic.twitter.com/qM0LJR3K25
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) September 22, 2024
A'ja + M'VP 🏆
It just goes together. Redefining the game, one play at a time. Congrats, A'ja Wilson!
26.9 PPG | 11.9 RPG | 2.3 APG | 1.8 SPG | 2.6 BPG
2024 @Kia WNBA MVP #KiaMVP pic.twitter.com/c9d4n8NTRl
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 22, 2024
Just in from the #WNBA:
Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is the unanimous league MVP, marking her third MVP overall.#IndianaFever rookie Caitlin Clark finishes fourth in MVP voting.
List:
• A’ja Wilson
• Napheesa Collier
• Breanna Stewart
• Caitlin Clark
• Alyssa Thomas pic.twitter.com/K7ogpv7csh— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 22, 2024
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson secured the MVP award in unanimous fashion, her third overall, following an incredible season where she averaged 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game. Wilson also made history by becoming the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season.
While Wilson’s dominance was undeniable, Clark’s rookie campaign was nothing short of spectacular. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. Her impact on the Indiana Fever was profound, as she helped elevate a team that went 13-27 last season into playoff contention.
Clark also played a crucial role in the development of teammates like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, using her exceptional playmaking and long-range shooting to open up opportunities for others. With the Fever now facing a tough first-round matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Clark’s leadership will be critical as she continues to shape Indiana’s future.
Looking ahead, Clark’s shooting percentages are expected to improve with more experience at the WNBA level, and her ability to dominate games as both a scorer and facilitator will only grow. While MVP trophies may lie in her future, the competition from stars like Wilson and Breanna Stewart will undoubtedly be fierce.
For now, Clark is focused on her primary goal: leading the Indiana Fever to greater heights as the franchise’s cornerstone.
