The world of women’s basketball has been abuzz with the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two rising stars in the WNBA. As Clark’s dominance in the league continues to unfold, Reese has been vocal about her goal to surpass Clark’s success. However, as the spotlight continues to shine on both players, it has become increasingly clear that Reese’s ambitious plans are facing a cold reality—one that might not be as attainable as she hopes.
Caitlin Clark’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for her exceptional shooting range, incredible playmaking abilities, and leadership on the court, Clark has become the face of the WNBA. She has not only redefined what it means to be a star in women’s basketball but also helped elevate the league into the spotlight, drawing in fans and sponsorships from all corners of the sports world. Her performances have consistently pushed boundaries, earning her accolades, records, and the admiration of both fans and analysts alike.
Clark’s ability to dominate games, shattering records with ease, has solidified her as one of the most exciting players to watch. From her lightning-fast three-point shots to her playmaking vision that mirrors legends like Steph Curry, she has transformed the WNBA into an even more competitive and entertaining league. It is no surprise that Clark has become a generational talent, one that fans and media outlets across the globe have placed at the pinnacle of the sport.
Enter Angel Reese, a talented forward with a fierce competitive spirit. Reese, who has made her own mark in the WNBA, has shown flashes of brilliance with her strong rebounding and presence on the court. However, despite her success, Reese has often been compared to Clark, and she has made no secret of her desire to surpass her. After her victory with LSU in the 2023 NCAA Championship, Reese began to assert herself as a player who could challenge Clark’s dominance.
But as much as Reese has tried to claim her place among the top players in the league, there is a stark contrast between the two in terms of consistency, playmaking, and overall impact on the game. While Reese has undeniably made an impact with her raw talent, her performances have been inconsistent compared to Clark’s flawless execution. The reality is that Clark’s dominance is built not on hype but on results—an unwavering commitment to excellence that is reflected in her every move on the court.
Reese’s numbers, while respectable, do not come close to matching Clark’s. In her rookie season, Reese averaged 13.6 points per game, a solid but unremarkable number by WNBA standards. Meanwhile, Clark outpaced her with an average of 19.2 points per game, leading all rookies in scoring. A six-point gap may seem minor, but in the professional league, it’s the difference between stardom and being a background player. Reese’s scoring was overshadowed by Clark’s relentless drive and ability to impact every facet of the game.
Where Reese struggles even more is in playmaking. While Clark leads the league in assists with an impressive 8.4 per game, showcasing her elite-level court vision, Reese lags far behind with just 1.9 assists per game. Playmaking is an essential aspect of basketball, and Clark excels in making her teammates better. Reese, on the other hand, is often caught up in individual stats, trying to pad her own numbers instead of elevating the team. This difference in approach has been glaring, especially when comparing their overall contributions to their respective teams.
Rebounding, a fundamental part of the game, is another area where Reese has had some success. She did manage to break a rookie record with 446 total rebounds, averaging 13.1 per game, which is commendable. But let’s be clear: rebounding, while crucial, is often considered the “dirty work” of basketball. It doesn’t necessarily define greatness. Clark, as a guard, managed to pull down 5.7 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility and ability to contribute across all areas of the game. Clark’s all-around game is what sets her apart from Reese, who is still trying to figure out how to translate her potential into consistent success.
Another key area of differentiation is their place in the league. Clark didn’t just survive her rookie season—she thrived, dominating the league and running away with the Rookie of the Year award. She proved that she wasn’t just a flash in the pan but a legitimate force in the WNBA. Reese, while a finalist for the award, never really came close to Clark’s level of impact. The title of finalist is often a polite way of acknowledging someone’s presence, but it’s clear that Clark’s performance was in a league of its own.
When it comes to recognition, the disparity between the two is even more glaring. Clark was selected to the All-WNBA First Team with ease, a testament to her consistent excellence and leadership. Reese, however, was nowhere to be found on any of the teams—no First Team, no Second Team, and not even an honorable mention. It’s as though Reese’s presence in the league is more about creating drama and controversy than it is about consistent, high-level play. While Clark has proven herself to be a game-changer, Reese’s contributions have yet to match the hype surrounding her.
Despite this, Reese has refused to back down from her bold claims of surpassing Clark. In interviews and public statements, she’s made it clear that she views herself as a future star capable of matching, or even exceeding, Clark’s accomplishments. But the truth is that greatness isn’t built on aspirations alone—it’s built on results, and Reese has yet to deliver those results on the court in the same way Clark has.
The constant comparisons between the two players have only fueled Reese’s determination to prove herself. But while she’s been focused on trying to tear down Clark’s legacy, Clark has been focused on building hers. True greatness isn’t about rivalries or petty drama; it’s about consistent excellence, pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself every time you step onto the court.
In the end, the difference between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is clear. One is chasing greatness through headlines and controversy, while the other is already there, breaking records, dominating the court, and shaping the future of women’s basketball. Reese may have the ambition, but Clark has the results to back it up. The gap between them isn’t closing—it’s widening, and it’s becoming more evident with every game, every stat, and every headline.
While Angel Reese may continue to chase the spotlight, Caitlin Clark is already building a legacy that will transcend the sport. One is playing for relevance, while the other is defining what it means to be great.
Angel Reese defends hitting Caitlin Clark in head, resulting in flagrant foul: ‘It’s a basketball play’
Clark believed Reese was simply going for the block, adding games are ‘going to be physical’
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The Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever rematch was a highly anticipated game Sunday afternoon with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese pitted against each other in another chapter of their WNBA journey.
And things got a bit testy when Reese whacked Clark in the head on a block attempt in the third quarter of the Fever’s 91-83 victory, resulting in a flagrant foul.
Reese was asked about the flagrant foul by a reporter after the game, and she cut him off quickly.
“A basketball play. It was a basketball play,” Reese said. “I can’t control the refs. They affected the game obviously a lot tonight.”
Reese was adamant officials were not calling the same game on both ends of the floor. The Sky were called for 21 personal fouls as a team, while the Fever were whistled for 17. Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso each had five fouls.
“I think we went up really strong a lot of times, and we didn’t get a lot of calls,” Reese explained when asked about her and Cardoso’s performances. “Going back and looking at the film, I’ve seen a lot of calls that weren’t made. I guess some people got a special whistle. But just being able to play hard as best as we can.”
It’s unclear who Reese was referring to when talking about the “special whistle.”
As for Clark’s thoughts on the flagrant foul, she didn’t have anything bad to say about Reese. She agreed the physicality wasn’t anything malicious.
“What’s going through my mind is, ‘I need to make these two free throws,'” Clark said when a reporter asked her thoughts immediately after the foul. “That’s all I’m thinking about. Just a part of basketball. It is what it is. Just trying to make a play on the ball and get the block. It happens.”
Clark continued by lauding Reese’s competitive spirit and using her platform to promote the game.
“I think it’s just the emotion and passion we play with,” Clark said. “I think people love to see that, and I think that’s maybe not something that was always appreciated in women’s sports. And it should be. That’s what makes it fun. We’re competitors. That’s the way the game should be. It’s going to get feisty, it’s going to get physical. But, at the end of the day, both of us are trying to win.
“I think what she’s done with her platform has been absolutely incredible, and she has an entire fan base that’s supported her for what she did at Maryland and LSU. Obviously, I played her a very long time, and she’s been a tremendous player. So, it’s getting to compete against [her], and I think it’s been really good for the game. And people love to see great matchups.
“But, also, at the same time, people tune in for these matchups, but then they get to see how amazing these teams are, and they find new players to support. And continue to come back for them, too. So, I think that’s another benefit of it, honestly.”
Fever head coach Christie Sides also believed the “right call was made” by officials on the Reese flagrant. She also alluded to flagrant fouls not being called, which we’ve seen recently with the Chennedy Carter shove on Clark. It was later upgraded to a flagrant foul. But during their previous matchup, it was a common foul.
“I was really proud of how they all kept their composure,” Sides said. “The right call was made in that moment — flagrant-1, two free throws and the ball. Just make the right call in those moments, and we can move forward. When we don’t make the right call in those moments, that’s when there’s a problem.
“They made the right call tonight.”
