Angel Reese Admits Honest Opinion of Caitlin Clark Rivalry

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Nov 30, 2024 8:52 AM ET

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese recently spoke with Speedy Morman at ComplexCon, where she shared her thoughts on her everlasting rivalry with WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

Reese and Clark have been battling since their high school days when the two went head-to-head on the AAU platform. They've also competed at the collegiate level and now, in the WNBA.

Given the fanfare from Reese and Clark, the Sky star believes fans have positioned them as rivals to fuel a narrative.

While Reese mentioned that she believes she bears the brunt of most of the negativity from WNBA fans, she thinks it's a fine sacrifice in order to grow women's basketball.

"Obviously social media is going to put two women against each other," Reese said. "I think it’s just being able to be something that is negative but also positive. I think it shines light on women’s basketball. So, I’ll take that of being able to be the person that gets the hate. I know that at the end of the day, I’m growing women’s basketball."

Reese and Clark went head-to-head four times during their rookie seasons. Clark holds a 3-1 series lead and also beat out the Sky forward for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award.

Much of the spotlight was on Clark and the Fever during the 2024 season. They took a trip to the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2016 and finished the year with a 20-20 record, their first 20-win season since 2015.

Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. She led the WNBA in average assists and all rookies in average points.

Reese also had a tremendous year, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.

The Sky finished the year as the No. 10 team in the WNBA standings with a 13-27 record.

While Reese and the Sky showed flashes of success, Clark received much of the praise for what she was able to accomplish in her first year with the Fever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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