The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark took another fiery turn when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal reignited the feud with a public endorsement of Clark that didn’t sit well with Reese. Known for his playful yet bold commentary, Shaq has often been vocal about his admiration for Clark’s on-court brilliance. However, his latest remarks have stirred up an unexpected backlash, especially from Reese, who didn’t hold back her frustration.
During a recent podcast, O’Neal praised Clark, calling her a “generational talent” and suggesting she had the potential to redefine women’s basketball in ways few players ever have. While his comments might have been meant as a compliment to Clark, they carried an undertone that Reese interpreted as dismissive of her own accomplishments. “Caitlin Clark deserves all the accolades,” Shaq said, “but what I love most is her hunger. She’s the future of the WNBA.”
Reese, a rising star herself with the Chicago Sky, didn’t hesitate to fire back. Taking to social media shortly after Shaq’s comments surfaced, she expressed her outrage. “Funny how the same people who claim to support women’s basketball can’t uplift more than one player at a time,” Reese posted on X. Fans quickly rallied behind her, some accusing O’Neal of perpetuating the narrative that only one player can dominate headlines, while others saw the exchange as another chapter in the ever-evolving Clark-Reese rivalry.
This isn’t the first time Shaq has found himself at odds with Reese. Earlier this year, he caused a stir by naming Clark as the best college player he’s ever seen, drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Stephen Curry. Reese, whose own résumé includes an NCAA championship and multiple accolades, has repeatedly voiced her frustration at being overshadowed by Clark in the media.
As the WNBA offseason unfolds, this clash has only fueled anticipation for the upcoming season. With Clark leading the Indiana Fever and Reese making her mark with the Sky, fans eagerly await their on-court battles. While the rivalry remains a driving force in boosting the league’s popularity, moments like these remind everyone that the competition doesn’t stop once the final buzzer sounds—it’s alive and well, even off the court.
