“Ain’t about just the sizzle”: Stephen A. Smith buys into Angel Reese’s ROY stock citing stuffed box scores 

As the WNBA season comes to a close, the Rookie of the Year contest between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark rages on. Following a historic feat from the Chicago Sky forward, one notable analyst put together a compelling argument on her behalf.

When the season first started, Clark was viewed as the heavy favorite. However, Reese slowly started to close the gap. Now, with about 10 games to go, some feel the two are neck-and-neck for the award.

Among those to share their thoughts on this hot topic was Stephen A. Smith. During a recent episode of his podcast, the longtime NBA analyst stated that Reese has a chance to win ROY. He admitted that Clark has a lot of flash, but feels it goes much deeper than that.

"Angel Reese is showing she's no joke either," Smith said. "I think she could win Rookie of the Year."

"She's showing she ain't just about the sizzle. She steps on the basketball court and she balls."

Reese and Clark were the only two rookies to be named All-Stars this season. While Clark has wowed many with her scoring and playmaking, the Sky rookie has shone in a different area.

In her first year in the league, Reese is leading the WNBA in rebounds per game at 12.9. On top of this, she became the first player in league history to grab 20+ rebounds in three straight games earlier this month.

---

Angel Reese beats Caitlin Clark in recent WNBA rookie rankings

Stephen A. Smith is far from the only person who feels Angel Reese has a chance to take home Rookie of the Year. The promising forward recently beat Caitlin Clark in the latest WNBA rookie rankings.

In the final stretch of the regular season, Neil Paine of ESPN put together an updated power rankings list for the first-year players in the WNBA. Reese ended up claiming the top spot, with Clark coming in at No. 2.

Aside from her historic 20-rebound streak, Angel Reese has played well since the month-long break for the Olympics. Over her last six games, she is posting averages of 12.5 points, 17.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

If Reese wants to have a strong ROY case, she needs to keep the Sky in the playoff picture. Right now, they hold possession of the eighth and final postseason spot. However, the Atlanta Dream are right on their heels.

On Friday night, Clark and Reese will both have an opportunity to strengthen their argument for Rookie of the Year. They are slated to face off for the fourth and final time in the regular season. Heading into this matchup, the Indiana Fever holds a 2-1 lead in the season series.