Angel Reese, a standout player for the Chicago Sky, recently shared her candid thoughts on her relationship with Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. While attending ComplexCon in Las Vegas, Reese sat down with Speedy Morman to discuss her journey in the WNBA, including her experiences as a rookie and her on-court rivalries. One of the most talked-about rivalries in recent months has been between Reese and Clark, who competed for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Clark ultimately claimed the title, but Reese was quick to downplay any tension between them.
Reese explained that while fans may create a sense of rivalry between the two players, both of them understand that it’s all part of the game. “At the end of the day, we’re human,” Reese remarked, emphasizing that there are no hard feelings between her and Clark. She noted that while fans might take things to extremes, the reality is that it’s just basketball. Reese acknowledged that the intense fan reactions often amplify the situation, but she and Clark do not harbor any animosity toward each other.
The two players have known each other for a long time, having faced off in AAU basketball and then again in college, where Clark played for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Reese for the LSU Tigers. Their paths crossed again in the WNBA, where they met four times during their rookie season. The Fever had the upper hand in the season series, winning three out of the four matchups against the Sky. Despite the heated competition, Reese remained focused on the bigger picture: “It’s just basketball.”
Reese’s rookie season was a remarkable one, as she finished the year averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, leading the WNBA in rebounds and becoming the only rookie to average a double-double. Despite the rivalry narratives that fans often create, Reese made it clear that she holds no ill will toward Clark or anyone else in the league. Her respect for Clark and the competitive spirit between them is all part of what makes basketball exciting, but Reese is adamant that it should remain just that—basketball.
As Reese and Clark continue to build their careers, it’s clear that both players share a mutual respect, even though their fierce competition on the court has made them the focal points of many discussions. While fans may continue to compare the two, it’s reassuring to know that the players themselves understand the importance of sportsmanship and the value of maintaining a positive perspective amidst the rivalry.
