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The reason behind the lack of broadcast was a mix-up with the WNBA's app, which had initially listed the game as available to watch. This led to confusion and disappointment among fans, who had been eager to witness the debut of the two first-round draft picks. Despite this, a fan's livestream on social media filled the void, drawing an impressive viewership.
On the court, Angel Reese, lived up to her moniker, playing for 24 minutes and scoring 13 points with 9 rebounds. Her fellow rookie, Camila Cardoso, had a more challenging start, suffering an injury in the first half and scoring only six points with four rebounds.
Caitlin Clark, the number one overall pick, also made her debut, dropping 21 points in a close game against the Dallas Wings. The performances of these athletes were a clear indication of their potential and the excitement they bring to the league.
Dwyane Wade, a former NBA star, took to social media to express his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the need for the WNBA to adapt to its growing popularity and ensure that games like these are accessible to fans. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve also commented on the livestream, suggesting that the fan deserves "three bucks" per viewer for their effort.
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon praised the rookies' debuts, stating, "This is a learning process for all of us... And we're going through that process in the right way," highlighting the leadership within the team and the confidence they have in their new players.
The game, which took place on May 4, 2024, ended in a 92-81 loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Despite the setback, the Sky's rookies showed promise, connecting on a bucket in the second quarter when Reese dished a pass to Cardoso in the paint, which she rolled in for two points.
The debut of Angel Reese and Camila Cardoso was a mixed bag of excitement and frustration. While their on-court performance was commendable, the broadcasting oversight was a letdown for fans. As the WNBA continues to grow, it's clear that ensuring the visibility of such promising talent is paramount for the league's success.
