Following the announcement of WNBA MVP results, Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides sent a powerful message to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, commending her remarkable first season. Despite not taking home the MVP trophy, Clark finished fourth in the voting—a significant achievement for any rookie in the league.
Christy Sides on Caitlin Clark coming in fourth place in MVP voting:
“She found her footing. She continued to get better. She’s put herself in position to be called one of the best players in the league.” pic.twitter.com/PFBrlfGmkY
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) September 22, 2024
Las Vegas Aces’ star A’ja Wilson claimed the MVP award in unanimous fashion, the first time since 1997 that the voting was a clean sweep. Clark, who had already secured the Associated Press Rookie of the Year honor, continued to make waves, earning her place behind superstars like Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Speaking to the media, Coach Sides expressed her admiration for Clark’s impact on the WNBA:
“I mean, Caitlin is special. Everybody knows that. She’s been special. She came into the best women’s basketball league in the world, found her footing, and continued to get better. She’s put herself in position to be called one of the best players in the league. That’s incredible for a rookie.”
Sides, who previously coached Elena Delle Donne—another standout rookie who earned MVP consideration early in her career—recognized the magnitude of Clark’s accomplishments in her first year. “Caitlin is doing extraordinary things, she’s unique. She’s one of the reasons we’re here today.”
Clark’s rookie campaign has undeniably breathed new life into the Fever franchise. With her at the helm, Indiana returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, a testament to her leadership and game-changing abilities. Not only has Clark shone as a scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game, but she’s also elevated her teammates, particularly Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, with her sharp playmaking.
After clinching the Rookie of the Year award and earning spots on the All-WNBA First Team and All-Rookie Team, Clark reflected on her journey: “This is a tremendous honor to be named The Associated Press Rookie of the Year. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without an incredible group of teammates and coaches, and we are looking forward to continuing an exciting regular season in the postseason.”
As the Fever now turn their focus to the playoffs, they face a tough challenge in the Connecticut Sun, who lead the first-round series 1-0 after a dominant 93-69 victory. Despite the uphill battle, Clark’s leadership has rejuvenated the Indiana fan base and sparked hopes of a deep postseason run.
With a bright future ahead, Caitlin Clark has already solidified herself as one of the league’s brightest stars. As Coach Sides put it, her rookie year has been nothing short of extraordinary.
