Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are both incredible athletes, but Caitlin Clark's rookie year in the WNBA stands out for several reasons. Clark's performance with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, she became one of the most dynamic rookies the league has ever seen.

As a new fan of the WNBA, I don't particularly like being called a racist, which is essentially what Angel Reese said after I realized she was second fiddle to Clark. But there's more to it than that.

Caitlin Clark has energized the league, but there's a reason why no one is watching the semifinals and many won't be watching the finals. Clark's Fever was quickly eliminated in round one.

For most new fans, the season ended there. The ratings have fallen. It's a fact, but Clark's energy is still palpable, as the New York Liberty's semifinal games were among the most watched in league history, but still not the same as when Clark and Indiana were still there.

Not only did she put up big numbers, but she also broke records, including the single-season assist record while leading her team to the playoffs. Clark's play strength, leadership and consistency made her the clear leading candidate for the title of “Rookie of the Year”.

In contrast, Angel Reese had a strong start to her rookie season with the Chicago Sky and excelled as a dominant rebounder. Reese set a new WNBA record for total rebounds in a single season, a major accomplishment for any player, let alone a rookie. However, her season was unfortunately cut short due to a wrist injury, which sidelined her just when Sky needed her most. Even though their rebounding numbers were off the charts, Reese's absence during the most crucial part of the season made it difficult for them to match Clark's impact throughout the season.

Why some fans argue that Reese is a reason people don't watch the WNBA is not because of her skills, but because of her personality off the court. Reese is known for her outspoken confidence and willingness to engage in trash talk, which has polarized the public. While some fans appreciate her fiery attitude, others see it as a distraction from the game, making her a controversial figure in the league.

Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, lets her performance on the court speak for itself. Her ability to consistently perform without any drama off the field has made her the face of the future of the league. This focus on basketball, along with her leadership and record-breaking play, is why she earned the Rookie of the Year award, while Reese, despite her undeniable talent, was unable to maintain that dominance throughout the season to reach.