Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark continue to show remarkable poise under media pressure

Few rivalries in sports have captivated fans as much as Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese. Beginning at the NCAA level, two of the most decorated collegiate athletes of all time have assisted in creating an influx of interest in the sport and, as of 2024, the WNBA.

While the general public remains determined to divide Clark and Reese, they continue to make it clear that the full extent of the tension between them is their competitive spirit.

Clark and Reese crossed paths on a consistent basis in college, including the 2023 National Championship Game. Both expressive on the court, their passion for the game has translated to the media attempting to create an off-court issue where there isn't one.

Amid adversity that would cause most to stumble, Clark and Reese have taken it in stride—and will now be teammates on one of the WNBA's biggest stages.

Clark and Reese, the leading candidates to win Rookie of the Year, were selected to the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. They'll now join forces on Team WNBA, which will be tasked with taking on those selected to Team USA's Olympic roster.

In an appearance on ESPN's NBA Today, Reese discussed the opportunity to play with Clark for the first time at the 2024 All-Star Game—and stated that she hopes it won't be their last time as teammates.

"It’s gonna be really cool. I know so many fans are gonna come out to watch both of us, but I know a lot of people are just gonna be able to come to Phoenix. I’m sure it’s already sold out, so being able to be in that environment. We’re gonna be playing together for a while so this is not gonna be the (last) time. I know we’ll be All-Stars again. I know, hopefully, 2028 we’ll be Olympians together, too. So, being able to enjoy this. I’m going to Paris, too, to go watch the Olympics, so I’m excited for that, too."

As everyone looks for the sound bite to stoke the flames of the Clark and Reese rivalry, the two favorites for Rookie of the Year continue to show poise under media pressure.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark look forward to playing as teammates

Reese acknowledged the fact that she and Clark were omitted from Team USA's 2024 Summer Olympics roster, but also expressed support for the players who made it. It's the same approach that Clark took to the subject in early June.

At every turn, attempts have been made by prying minds to manufacture animosity, but Clark and Reese have responded with decency and professionalism.

It's been the key to their success, as they've navigated the media insanity and remained focused on the game itself. It's why Reese has set the WNBA record for consecutive games with a double-double, and Clark ranks second in the league in assists per game.

It's also helped Clark and Reese lead their respective teams to strong enough success to be in the running to make postseason appearances.

Beyond their success on the court, both Clark and Reese have been incredible ambassadors for the sport. With all eyes on them, they continue to speak about the importance of the other players in the WNBA and the league at large.

Similar to what Reese said on NBA Today, Clark stated earlier this month that she's excited to play with her on-court rival, but hopes it doesn't take away from the other players at the All-Star Game.

"I don’t think I’ve ever been her teammate before even with USA Basketball or anything like that, so I know people are going to be really excited about it but I hope it doesn’t take away from everybody else. This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and everybody on Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise. I don’t want it to take away from any of that and just be the focal point of All-Star weekend, because that’s not fair to them."

At every turn, Clark and Reese continue to push the praise and focus to their peers—and celebrate the opportunities they receive by acknowledging those who paved the way for them.

It's easy to understand why the media is obsessed with a rivalry that some have likened to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in the 1980s. Much like Bird and Johnson, Clark and Reese have undeniably increased the nationwide interest in the sport, and their play on the court is both entertaining and conducive to team success.

Regardless of which of the two All-Stars wins Rookie of the Year, most understandably believe it will be the first of a surplus of career accolades.

Clark is already the two-time defending College National Player of the Year, while Reese is an NCAA Champion and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award-winner. They've clashed on the biggest of stages, and are now All-Stars as rookies—and justified selections, no less.

Rather than allowing the media to use them as divisive figures, however, Clark and Reese refuse to let their peers fall into their massive shadows. Instead, their mutual goal is to lift their fellow WNBA players up alongside them—and applaud those who are overlooked when they should be admired.

Suffice it to say, the future of the WNBA is in great hands—both on and off the court.