Rivalry Reignited: Angel Reese Takes Aim at Caitlin Clark Following Sky’s Win
In a clash of basketball titans, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese didn’t just secure a victory against the New York Liberty; she seemingly reignited a simmering feud with former college rival Caitlin Clark. The Sky’s hard-fought 90-81 win against the Liberty on Thursday night was more than just a game; it was a platform for Reese to make a statement.
Reese, the No. 7 overall pick for the Sky, showcased her prowess on the court with 13 points and nine rebounds. However, it wasn’t her stellar performance that grabbed headlines; it was a since-deleted post on social media that caught the attention of basketball fans worldwide.
“And that’s on getting a WIN in a packed area not just cause of one player on our charter flight,” Reese wrote, taking a thinly veiled shot at Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.
The jab comes amid ongoing debate about Clark’s impact on the WNBA. While Clark, a former star player for Iowa, has yet to secure her first WNBA win, she’s been making waves with her standout performances. Most notably, she recently dropped a team-high 21 points in the Fever’s narrow loss to the Seattle Storm.
But Clark’s influence extends beyond the court. Notable figures like NBA superstar LeBron James have praised her for bringing attention and growth to the WNBA. James, speaking on his podcast “Mind the Game” with J.J. Redick, credited Clark with significant strides in the league’s visibility, noting that her presence even led to the WNBA’s first-ever chartered plane flight.
“The one thing that I love that she’s bringing to her sport: more people want to watch. More people want to tune in,” James said. “That should be celebrated in its own right, and it’s because of Caitlin Clark. Don’t get it twisted. Don’t get it f—ed up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA.”
However, Reese and others argue that the league’s growth isn’t solely attributable to Clark. Despite the undeniable impact she’s had, Reese believes there are other factors contributing to the WNBA’s recent success.
As the debate rages on, fueled by social media jabs and high-profile endorsements, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Reese and Clark isn’t likely to die down anytime soon. With each game, they continue to vie for dominance both on and off the court, adding an extra layer of excitement to the WNBA landscape.
