Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are performing exceptionally well in the fan voting for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game. Before their game on Sunday at Wintrust Arena, Clark expressed her enthusiasm for potentially teaming up with Reese as All-Star teammates. Despite having only faced each other on the court since their high school AAU days, Clark welcomes the opportunity to join forces.
“I think both of us would probably tell you our focus is definitely on playing basketball,” Clark said. “If that works out for the both of us, great. It would be a lot of fun. We’ve never played together. I guess I don’t really know what goes into how they select the All-Star team. I know fan vote is part of it. But there’s also a lot of other criteria. I think she (Reese) has had a tremendous season. If that was to happen, I’m sure people would love it.”
The WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for July 20 in Phoenix, just before the league pauses for the Olympics.
Keeping Basketball Fun and Positive
Clark emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere in basketball. She noted the large, enthusiastic crowds she has encountered over the past year, whether playing for Iowa or the Fever, and highlighted the need for fans to cheer positively.
“Basketball’s really fun,” she said. “There should be people cheering for both teams. I don’t think it should ever be a negative thing. As a player, I’m not looking for the crowd to be negative toward the other team. I don’t think there’s a place in basketball for that. Cheer for your team, that’s great, but just appreciate the basketball that’s on the floor because it’s really good and that’s what’s going to help this league grow further and further.”
A Budding Rivalry
The matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever is becoming a notable rivalry, adding to the sports competition between Chicago and Indianapolis. While some may see this as a budding rivalry, Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon downplayed it.
“We don’t see it as a rivalry,” she said. “We don’t. We see it as a game we’ve got to go out and win. We recognize how close we all are in distance, but it’s about us trying to get better every game. That’s how we’re approaching every game.”
Clark, however, acknowledged the excitement surrounding the matchup. “I think people are just excited to see this matchup,” Clark said. “Obviously, it’s two WNBA teams right in the Midwest where I grew up. I know how much they love women’s basketball in this area. We were driving by (in the team bus) and there were so many lines of people already trying to get in.”
Looking Forward
Clark’s professional career is off to an exciting start, and her potential All-Star team-up with Reese could be a highlight of the season. As the rivalry between the Sky and the Fever continues to develop, fans can expect more thrilling games and memorable moments. With her positive outlook and dedication to the sport, Clark is poised to continue making a significant impact in the WNBA.
