3 reasons the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry won't last long

By Ethen Hutton

Modified Aug 18, 2024 18:22 GMT

Before becoming two of the most talked about draft picks in WNBA history, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were on-court rivals in college at Iowa and LSU respectively. They met numerous times throughout their college careers.

When Reese was at Maryland, the Terrapins defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes with a 25-point, 13-rebound performance from Reese, establishing the roots for what would be one of the most storied college rivalries of all time.

Reese went on to transfer to LSU, where she and the Tigers ran into Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2023 Women's Basketball National Championship. Despite Clark's 30 points, LSU proved to be too much for Iowa in a matchup that saw Reese post 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Next season, the two teams met again in the Elite Eight round. In a clash that drew a record-breaking 12.3 million viewers, it was Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes who came out on top, led by her 41 points and 12 assists, in a jaw-dropping performance.

Now with each player in the WNBA, the two have fanned the flames on the rivalry as their rookie seasons continue. Both have broken numerous records to this point in their rookie campaigns and earned All-Star nods, but talk of their rivalry has died down.

Here are three reasons why the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry won't last long.

3 Reasons why the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry won't last long

Mostly Media Hype

While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese undeniably engaged in trash talk numerous times in their collegiate careers, the transition to the WNBA has seen back-and-forth between the two players.

Social media has hyped up the rivalry as hate-driven, but the two remain respectful and polite on and off the court in the WNBA as competitors, rather than rivals.

While this storyline is exciting, the rivalry appears to be a thing of the past for the two, as they now look forward to competing alongside one another in the 2028 Olympics.

Difference in positions

While it's true that the Reese-Clark rivalry shares a lot of similarities to the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird rivalry of the 80s, it's clear that it's hard to be rivals and play different positions with a lot of trash talk.

At this point in their respective careers, Clark and Reese appear to be past all the on the court bickering, and are more friendly with each other.

Even though the two had occasional spats, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were also able to eventually set differences aside, and developed a respectful and peaceful relationship. They appeared in numerous commercials and advertisements together back in the 80s, during the height of their playing days.

Without trash talk, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are limited to their interactions on the court playing different positions. As a guard, Clark is around the perimeter, while Reese almost always stays near the paint or low block.

It's also tougher to compare the two as players, given their difference in responsiblities on the court.

Friendly Rivals

One aspect that keeps coming back is the blossoming respect and friendliness among Clark and Reese that developed during the WNBA All-Star weekend back in July.

In an appearance on "NBA Today," Reese indicated that she was looking forward to playing alongside Clark, stating, "I know we'll be All-Stars again. Hopefully, 2028, we'll be Olympians together, too."

Angel Reese also stated in an interview that she "loves" Caitlin Clark and hopes to be her teammate one day. The interview occurred while she was still attending LSU.

Clark has also been supportive of Reese, defending Reese when the forward faced backlash for continuing to engage in trash talk during the 2023 National Championship game.

Clark also complemented Reese's playing style ahead of the WNBA All-Star game in an interview, stating, "She's certainly probably going to lead the game in rebounds. I expect that out of her, that's just what she does."

The pair are the best rookies in the league, with both leading the Rookie of the Year race to this point of the season. While they may not currently be rivals, the two remain close and friendly as they develop into franchise players in the WNBA.