Caitlin Clark has addressed the rumored rivalry with WNBA star Angel Reese as she was named Time’s 2024 Athlete of the Year.
In an interview published on Tuesday (December 10) with Time magazine, the 22-year-old point guard talked about how she and Reese have been portrayed as opponents. The rivalry speculation started after the University of Iowa’s women’s basketball team beat LSU in the 2023 National Championship, where Reese appeared to mock Clark with a hand gesture.
Since they both entered the WNBA in 2024, Clark and Reese have continued to be seen as rivals, a notion that Clark finds puzzling.
“I don’t understand that at all,” she said. “We’re not best friends, but we do have respect for each other.”
Clark pointed out that they haven’t even played against each other much on the court. She also mentioned that Reese’s hand gesture didn’t bother her, but she is frustrated that fans focus more on their supposed feud rather than their games.
Clark expressed her frustration with the ongoing narrative around their relationship and emphasized the focus should be on their accomplishments and the success of their teams.
In a match between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky in June, Chennedy Carter of Chicago Sky caused some controversy by making a physical play against Clark, leading to more speculation about a rivalry between the players.
Despite the media’s portrayal, Clark explained that she doesn’t view herself as a target and understands the physical nature of basketball. She also clarified that Reese’s response on the bench wasn’t necessarily related to Carter’s action against her.
Meanwhile, Reese has also offered her perspective on the perceived competition with Clark, acknowledging the history of their rivalry dating back to their AAU days and college basketball.
While she recognizes the negative aspects of the rumors surrounding their relationship, Reese sees it as an opportunity to shine a light on women’s basketball and promote the sport.
