Angel Reese’s “Rivalry” discourse has worn Caitlin Clark out, but WNBA fans are adoring her latest declaration.
The relationship between WNBA rookie sensations Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has received a lot of attention, and the 22-year-old Indiana Fever player appears to be over it.
Clark was questioned about her thoughts on the alleged “rivalry” as she was ready to take on Reese on the court once more ahead of the Fever and Chicago Sky’s third game of the season on June 23.
During a post-game press conference on June 21, she said bluntly to a reporter, “I’m pretty sure the only people that view this as a rivalry is all of you.” “Like, it’s just a basketball game to us.”
She acknowledged that it’s “amazing” that support for both sides helps “move the game forward,” but she also raised concerns about why, in contrast to several previous Fever games this season, the matchup hasn’t been shifted to a bigger stadium. “I felt that would have been really good for the game and really good for all of the Chicago fans of women’s basketball,” the fan stated. “Perhaps there is a disagreement of some kind that I am unaware of. That is obviously a bit beyond my pay grade.
The “two previous matchups have really lived up to what everybody expected” and were “really great basketball,” according to Clark.
Christie Sides, Clark’s coach, and colleague NaLyssa Smith appeared surprised and delighted by her answer, but they weren’t the only ones who found her remarks entertaining. Basketball analyst @youforgotaboutdre on TikTok made fun of Caitlin Clark’s sassy trousers during the post-game interview last night in a video that received over 44,000 likes. Many people in the comments complimented Clark’s “epic” remarks, while others found Coach Side’s “priceless” reactions amusing.
One person retorted, “That is a great response.” The rivalry is created by the public. Both of them are excellent players.
When the youthful basketball players’ insults went viral during an NCAA championship game between Reese’s LSU Tigers and Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023, the country was first captivated by them.
Following LSU’s victory over Iowa, Clark stood up for Reese against derogatory—and frequently racist—online remarks. She told ESPN, “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all.” Regardless of the outcome, she shouldn’t ever face criticism for her actions. She competed, and I’m just one who does. Everyone was probably aware that there might be some trash talk. It’s not only Angel and I.
“That should never be torn down,” she said. It shouldn’t ever be criticized, in my opinion, as that’s what makes this game so enjoyable. People are drawn to this game because of it. I’m going to keep playing that way. That is the way all girls ought to play.
The following year, Clark became the all-time leader in scoring for the NCAA, regardless of gender. When the two teams faced off again in the 2024 Final Four, 12.3 million people tuned in, making it momentarily the most viewed women’s college basketball game in ESPN history.
According to Chicago Sky players, Carter was singled out outside their lodging.
Regarding the excitement in early June, Reese told CNN, “People are pulling up to games, we got celebrities coming to games, sold-out arenas, just because of [the 2023 NCAA championship game]”. “And considering that, I’ll accept the position. I’ll continue to adopt the villainous persona and be that for my teammates.
After twenty years, she said, “Yeah, there’s more to the reason we follow women’s basketball than just one individual. I want you everyone to understand that it’s because of me too.
In conversation with Hall of Fame legend Lisa Leslie, LSU basketball phenom Angel Reese discusses embracing her authentic self, navigating the world of beauty, managing her social media presence, and her remarkable journey toward winning a national championship.