Angel Reese has never shied away from her role in the Caitlin Clark rivalry. The Atlanta Dream forward and the Indiana Fever guard last shared a court on August 16, when Indiana escaped with a tight 95-91 overtime win. Weeks later, an old clip of Reese explaining her side of their rivalry has resurfaced online, and her honesty says more about the two stars than any highlight reel.
Angel Reese explains her rivalry with Caitlin Clark
The clip, originally filmed for a Complex interview, resurfaced this week through a fan account and quickly spread across social media. In it, Reese addresses the constant comparisons between her and Clark, comparisons that trace back to their college days at LSU and Iowa.
Advertisement
Reese pointed out that she and Clark have been competing since middle school, long before their names became linked in mainstream coverage. She explained that their history goes back to AAU basketball, where both players built the competitive edge that now defines their professional careers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
According to Reese, social media has turned a simple sports rivalry into something bigger than either player intended. She acknowledged the attention has not always been kind to her.
“I’ll be the person that gets the hate, but at the end of the day I’m growing women’s basketball and helping women’s basketball,” Reese explained plainly.
Advertisement
Rather than push back against that role, Reese framed it as part of a larger purpose, one that followed both players through Team USA’s gold medal run this month, where old rivals stood on the same podium.
Angel Reese’s defensive player of the year case adds a new angle
The timing of the resurfaced clip lines up with another headline involving Reese. She has emerged as a serious contender for WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, with several analysts naming her among the frontrunners ahead of A’Ja Wilson.
That adds fresh weight to her comments about carrying the league’s attention, this time for her defense rather than her personality.
May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Reese has leaned into the recognition without downplaying her rivalry with Clark. In moments tied to Caitlin Clark’s response to reporters pushing a manufactured feud narrative, both players have consistently rejected the idea of real animosity.
Advertisement
Reese put it briefly: “Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other.” Their history keeps shaping how fans talk about the current WNBA playoff picture heading into October.
Both stars now turn to the postseason. Indiana enters the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, while Atlanta sits just behind at No. 4. Their rivalry could resume in October if seeding lines up right, giving fans another chapter to watch.
