Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly on top of the world right now. Recently named TIME's Athlete of the Year, Clark’s remarkable rise in the world of women’s basketball speaks volumes about her talent and influence on the game. From her standout days at Iowa to her ongoing success in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, Clark has undoubtedly helped elevate the profile of women's basketball.
However, despite her impressive career, Clark's journey has been marred by controversy—particularly a rumored rivalry with LSU and Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. This so called feud has sparked debates, with some people even introducing a racial element to the narrative. But for Clark, these media portrayals don’t resonate.
Setting the Record Straight: Clark on Her Relationship with Reese
Clark was quick to address the rivalry rumors, making it clear in her conversation with TIME's that the media’s portrayal is far from accurate. According to Clark, while she and Reese have had their fair share of intense battles on the court, she doesn’t see them as rivals.
“I don’t get that at all,” Clark remarked when asked about the perceived rivalry. “We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another. Yes, we’ve had tremendous battles, but when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?”
She further elaborated on the controversy that often surrounds their interactions: “I didn’t think it was taunting. It really didn’t bother me. It’s just like, ‘Why don’t you talk about them winning? Or the incredible run that we went on that nobody would have thought we would have ever gone on?’ The only thing people cared about was this controversy that was really fabricated and made up, and then that has continued to be the case ever since.”
Angel Reese Echoes Similar Sentiments
Angel Reese, who has been at the center of the rumored rivalry, also shared her perspective on the matter. Speaking to Complex in November, Reese emphasized that their competitive dynamic has always been rooted in the spirit of the game and nothing more.
"I think it’s just competition, it’s been competition since college," Reese said. "Being able to play against Caitlin, I've been playing against Caitlin since we were probably in eighth or ninth grade. We both were really competitive in AAU. I went to Maryland, she went to Iowa, so we competed there and then finally being able to compete in the national championship. People don’t know the legacy of us being able to play against each other for a really long time."
No Need to Choose Sides: A New Legacy for Women’s Basketball
The ongoing comparison to historic rivalries in basketball, like the Larry Bird vs Magic Johnson rivalry in the 1980s, continues to be drawn. Some basketball historians argue that these rivalries played a pivotal role in bringing mainstream attention to the sport. While it’s too early to say if Clark and Reese’s competition will have a similar cultural impact, there’s no doubt that it adds excitement and intrigue to the world of women’s basketball.
But at the heart of it, there’s no need to pick sides between the two stars. As Clark and Reese both pointed out, it’s all about healthy competition, respect, and pushing each other to be better. Rather than focusing on fabricated rivalries, fans have the opportunity to enjoy their incredible performances on the court and witness them take the game to new heights.
