Caitlin Clark dismissed the supposed rivalry between her and Angel Reese as a media fabrication, emphasizing that they are simply two professional athletes playing basketball.
The Indiana Fever standout and the Chicago Sky star both emerged from the NCAA, representing the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU Tigers, respectively. They faced each other twice during March Madness.
Since joining the WNBA as the first and sixth picks in the 2024 Draft, their contentious interactions have persisted. Reese frequently targets Clark in the media and even celebrates her misfortunes, such as Chennedy Carter’s foul on Clark. However, Clark downplays the animosity.
“I’m confident that the only ones who see this as a rivalry are all of you,” Clark told reporters on July 21. “For us, it’s merely a game of basketball.
“That’s what it is. If it helps promote the game, then fantastic. That’s what it should be. People can talk about it.”
The rivalry chatter began when they first clashed in the NCAA national championship game, which Reese won. She taunted Clark throughout, capitalizing on their trash talk during the game.
The following year, Clark got her payback by eliminating the Tigers in the Elite Eight, though she didn’t secure the national championship, leaving Reese with a lingering advantage in their college saga.
In the WNBA, Reese continues to target Clark through the media and celebrated the foul on Clark, highlighting that while Clark might not see them as rivals, Reese certainly does.
What’s Next for the Fever?
Will the tension flare up again when they meet at Wintrust Arena in Chicago?
The two will face off in the Windy City on Sunday, June 23, with the game starting at 16:00 ET/13:00 PT.
