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Caitlin Clarkcontinues to shine in her debut WNBA season, earning a spot on the coveted 2024 All-WNBA First Team. The Indiana Fever rookie, who took the league by storm, has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting young players. Clark's first-year dominance, which includes the Rookie of the Year award, has earned her a well-deserved place among the WNBA's elite.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Ionescu, star guard of the New York Liberty, finds herself snubbed from the First Team for the third year in a row, sparking debates within the basketball community. Despite a remarkable season that showcased her growth and leadership, Ionescu was placed on the 2024 All-WNBA Second Team, leaving fans questioning the decision.
WNBA announces All-WNBA Teams ahead of playoff showdown
Just hours before the Liberty faced the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the league announced its 2024 All-WNBA teams. ing Caitlin Clark on the First Team were Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), and Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun). Stewart, a two-time MVP, claimed her sixth First Team honor, while 2024 MVP A'ja Wilson added to her growing legacy.
Sabrina Ionescu, despite leading the Second Team with 204 points, missed the top squad by 52 points. Her season performance included averages of 18.2 points (9th in the league) and 6.2 assists per game (5th in the league), showing her ability to contribute in multiple areas. But once again, it wasn't enough to earn her a spot on the First Team.
Sabrina Ionescu reacts to All-WNBA snub
When asked about the snub, Ionescu kept her focus on the task at hand, saying, "I don't, to be honest, really care about any of those types of awards. Just want to be the best that I can and help my team win." Despite missing out on First Team honors, Ionescu remains a critical piece of the Liberty's success.
Ionescu's growth throughout the 2024 season has been evident. Prior to the Olympic break, she was averaging 23.2 points per game, but after the break, her numbers dipped, which may have impacted her votes. Still, her impact was clear, especially during the postseason.
Ionescu's strong postseason performance
The 2024 WNBA Playoffs have allowed Ionescu to shine, where she's averaging 19.8 points and shooting 45% from the field. Her standout performance came in Game 2 against the Atlanta Dream, where she dropped a playoff career-high 36 points, proving she's ready to lead the Liberty in their quest for a championship.
"I just want to be my best every single night," Ionescu stated. "Obviously, I'm thankful for the award I got, but my focus is on helping this team win."
Liberty's playoff push fueled by Ionescu
As the Liberty continue their playoff battle against the Lynx, Ionescu's numbers speak for themselves. She's averaging 17 points, four assists, and three steals per game in the series, and her competitive edge has been crucial. In the 1-1 series, Ionescu has found ways to compete against the Lynx's tough backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride.
Although the All-WNBA First Team may have eluded her this season, Sabrina Ionescu is proving her worth on the court. The Liberty's path to a championship will undoubtedly rely on her ability to step up in key moments, whether the league's accolades recognize her contributions or not.